India`s women`s cricket team delivered a composed and effective performance at Old Trafford, securing a convincing six-wicket victory over England. This win was decisive, propelling India to an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match T20 series and confirming their status as series winners with a match still to be played.
Electing to bat first, England faced immediate challenges in establishing a high scoring rate. While batters like Sophia Dunkley and Tammy Beaumont managed to find the boundary periodically, a consistent struggle with strike rotation prevented them from building significant momentum. India`s bowlers, executing their plans effectively and supported by sharp ground fielding, maintained tight control throughout the innings.
The Indian bowling unit proved particularly effective in restricting England`s middle and lower order. Radha Yadav stood out with an economical spell, capturing 2 wickets for just 15 runs, thereby significantly hindering England`s ability to accelerate in the crucial death overs. Shree Charani, despite conceding runs early, recovered to claim 2 wickets for 30 runs. England`s persistent attempts to increase the scoring rate were largely met with the fall of wickets, resulting in a final total of 126 for 7 from their 20 overs – a target deemed modest on the Old Trafford surface.
In response, India began their chase with a stark contrast to England`s innings tempo. The opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma was nothing short of explosive. The pair attacked from the outset, quickly dismantling England`s hopes of making the chase difficult. They raced to 45 without loss within the first four overs, effectively neutralizing any early pressure and laying a formidable foundation. This was their third half-century opening stand of the series, highlighting their consistent impact.
Although both Mandhana and Verma were dismissed after providing the rapid start (scoring 32 and 31 respectively), the experienced middle-order duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues took control. They navigated the middle overs with composure, rotating the strike intelligently and ensuring the required run rate remained comfortably within reach. Their partnership added stability and brought India within touching distance of the target.
Despite the loss of Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur in quick succession late in the innings, these were mere formalities. The damage had been done by the disciplined bowling effort and the initial batting onslaught. India comfortably reached the target of 127 runs for the loss of just 4 wickets in the 17th over, sealing a dominant six-wicket victory and the series title. The performance underscored India`s proficiency in the T20 format and their clinical ability to execute under pressure.
