In a thrilling third and final WT20I, India secured a respectable five-wicket victory over England, thanks to the brilliant bowling of Saika Ishaque and Shreyanka Patil. The young Amanjot Kaur displayed composure, guiding India to a consolation win. However, England claimed the series with a 2-1 victory.
Smriti Mandhana and Saika Ishaque help India claim consolation win
Chasing a target of 127, Smriti Mandhana played a crucial role, scoring a run-a-ball 48. Amanjot Kaur’s boundaries, including a streaky winning reverse sweep under pressure, ensured India’s triumph with an over to spare. This marked India’s first T20I win against England since September 2022. Notably, England rested four star players, giving India a chance. It was also India’s first home win against England since March 2018, breaking a streak of five straight defeats in the shortest format. Overall, it marked India’s eighth win against England in 31 T20Is.
Mandhana’s gritty innings included five fours and two sixes, while Jemimah Rodrigues added a vital 29 at No. 3. Although Shafali Verma departed early, Mandhana and Rodrigues partnered effectively, contributing 57 runs for the second wicket.
India faced a setback when captain Harmanpreet Kaur left the field due to a foot injury. Deepti Sharma stepped in at No. 4 and made a brief contribution with two fours before getting caught behind. With 11 needed off the last two overs, Richa Ghosh fell, but Amanjot’s two crucial fours and the winning runs off Sophie Ecclestone secured India’s victory.
In the bowling department, rookie spinners Saika and Shreyanka shone, each claiming three wickets. England’s captain Heather Knight’s 52 helped the visitors reach 126 all out. Renuka Singh’s early breakthroughs and Shreyanka and Ishaque’s middle-order dominance limited England to 76/8. However, Knight’s partnership with Charlie Dean added 50 runs for the ninth wicket, providing England’s bowlers something to defend.
