Summary:
In a nail-biting finish at The Oval, England Women clinched a five-run win over India Women in the third T20I of the series, thanks to standout performances from Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Lauren Filer. With this victory, England reduced the series deficit to 1-2, keeping their hopes alive for a comeback.
England’s Explosive Opening – Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge Shine
England, desperate to stay alive in the series after losing the first two matches, needed a big start—and they got exactly that. Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge combined for a scintillating 137-run opening stand, one of the most dominant starts in recent women’s T20I history.
Dunkley smashed 75 off 53 balls, showcasing classy strokeplay and punishing India’s bowling early.
Wyatt-Hodge roared back into form with 66 off 42, a significant knock after a string of low scores in recent games.
England looked set for a massive total, cruising at 137/0 in the 16th over, but what followed was a collapse of epic proportions.
Dramatic Collapse – England Lose 9 Wickets for 31 Runs
Just when England seemed to be heading for a total above 190, India struck back ruthlessly.
Deepti Sharma (3/27) and Arundhati Reddy (3/32) led the fightback with disciplined bowling and crucial wickets.
Debutant N. Shree Charani continued her breakout series with two wickets, showcasing her guile and nerves under pressure.
England’s innings ended at 171/9, a respectable total but far short of the potential they had promised early on.
India’s Chase – Mandhana and Shafali Set the Tone
Chasing 172, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana (56 off 38) and Shafali Verma (47 off 25) gave a near-perfect start, adding 85 runs and putting the pressure back on England.
Mandhana was once again elegant and composed, anchoring the innings with finesse.
Shafali, regaining form, was aggressive, hammering seven boundaries and unsettling England’s bowling plans.
With the target seemingly in reach, India stumbled in the final five overs, unable to capitalize on their strong start.
Filer’s Fierce Spell and Bell’s Final-Over Heroics
England found a hero in Lauren Filer, who turned the game in the death overs with sheer pace and precision.
Filer dismissed Mandhana with a lethal delivery in the 16th over and ended with figures of 2/30.
In the final over, Lauren Bell defended 12 runs, holding her nerve despite a dropped catch and a boundary chance.
India needed 6 runs off the last ball. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur went for glory but picked out Sophie Ecclestone at mid-off, handing England a thrilling win and one of the most dramatic finishes in recent T20I memory.
Fielding – A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Both teams were guilty of numerous fielding lapses, with catches dropped at crucial moments:
India dropped Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge early, allowing them to pile on runs.
England returned the favor, with Bell and Capsey spilling chances at the boundary, almost handing India the match.
Ultimately, it was England who held their nerve, taking critical catches when it mattered most in the final overs.
Key Performers of the Match
Player Performance
Sophia Dunkley 75 (53), brilliant start with the bat
Danni Wyatt-Hodge 66 (42), comeback innings
Deepti Sharma 3/27, crucial strikes in the death overs
Arundhati Reddy 3/32, turned the tide with mid-over spell
Lauren Filer 2/30, pace and breakthrough in the 16th
Smriti Mandhana 56 (38), graceful anchor of the chase
What’s Next?
With the series now at 2-1 in India’s favor, the momentum has slightly shifted towards England. They will look to carry the confidence from this win into the fourth T20I in Manchester, scheduled for Wednesday. India, on the other hand, will aim to bounce back and seal the series before the decider.
Can England complete a comeback or will India regain dominance?