In a clinical display of all-round cricket, India Women defeated England Women by 6 wickets with 18 balls to spare in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Tuesday. The victory gives India a 2-1 lead in the series with one match to go, and once again highlights the growing dominance of the visitors in English conditions.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England got off to a cautious start but never really found momentum. Sophia Dunkley looked promising with a 19-ball 22 and Tamsin Beaumont added 20 runs off as many deliveries. However, regular wickets and disciplined Indian bowling prevented any meaningful partnerships from forming.
India’s spinners were particularly effective, with left-arm orthodox Radha Yadav leading the charge. She finished with excellent figures of 2/15 in her full quota of 4 overs. Debutant Nallapureddy Charani also impressed, picking up 2/30, while Amanjot Kaur added to the pressure with 1/20. England eventually stumbled their way to 126/7 in 20 overs—a total that looked below par from the outset.
Chasing 127, India came out with purpose and aggression. The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a solid foundation. Smriti played a composed innings of 32 off 31 balls, anchoring the chase with her usual elegance. On the other hand, Shafali took the attack to the bowlers, scoring a quickfire 31 off just 19 balls, including five boundaries.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a valuable 26 off 25 balls in the middle overs, ensuring the momentum never slipped. Even after the fall of a few wickets, India remained in control of the run chase. Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues guided the team home, finishing the job with ease in the 17th over.
England’s bowling looked toothless on a batting-friendly surface. Although Issy Wong (1/18), Sophie Ecclestone (1/20), and Charlie Dean (1/29) tried to stem the flow, they lacked support and penetration. The absence of breakthroughs during the powerplay severely hurt their chances.
With this win, India have not only taken a lead in the series but have also sent a strong message ahead of the final match. The blend of youth and experience in the Indian squad appears to be coming together at just the right time.
Match Summary:
England Women: 126/7 in 20 overs
- Sophia Dunkley – 22 (19)
- Tamsin Beaumont – 20 (19)
- Radha Yadav – 2/15 (4)
- Nallapureddy Charani – 2/30 (4)
India Women: 127/4 in 17 overs
- Smriti Mandhana – 32 (31)
- Shafali Verma – 31 (19)
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 26 (25)
- Issy Wong – 1/18 (3)
- Sophie Ecclestone – 1/20 (4)
Result: India Women won by 6 wickets (with 18 balls remaining)
Series: India lead 3-1 in the 5-match series
Venue: Old Trafford Cricket Ground
Toss: England Women won the toss and opted to bat
India will now look to clinch the series in the final T20I and take home a well-deserved win on English soil. For England, it’s a must-win game to draw the series and salvage some pride.
