Image Credit: @TheYorkerBall on X

 In a dramatic turnaround at The Oval on Friday, July 4, England Women edged past India Women by just five runs to keep the five-match T20I series alive. England’s thrilling 171/9 in 20 overs held out against India’s determined 166/5, closing the gap in the series to 2–1 in India’s favour.

First Innings – England’s Rollercoaster

England stumbled early after a stunning combined 137-run opening stand between Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The pair expertly guided England, threatening to put a commanding total on the board before losing momentum. Despite the collapse, England managed to finish at a competitive 171.

India’s Chase and Final Over Showdown

India’s chase, spearheaded by Smriti Mandhana’s trademark elegance and Shafali Verma's aggression, appeared poised for success. The target was within reach until Lauren Filer’s fiery pace struck, claiming the wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti in 13th and 15th over respectively. 

In what became a nail-biting final over, Harmanpreet Kaur started final positively, but Bell held her nerve to deny Harmanpreet Kaur 6 of  the last delivery. Bell picked up Kaur with a well-executed slower ball, caught by Sophie Ecclestone off the last ball. India ended agonizingly short, missing the mark by just five runs.

Player of the Match and Standout Performers

Sophia Dunkley claimed Player of the Match honours, highlighting the importance of her opening partner Danni Wyatt-Hodge, with whom she crafted that game-changing 137-run stand. Battling both strategic shifts and an uncertain pitch, Dunkley’s adaptability in pressure moments proved decisive.

On the bowling front, Lauren Filer emerged as England’s star. Her late-inning double wicket burst notably flustered the Indian batting line-up, swinging the momentum in England’s favour.

Fielding Lapses and Tactical Twists

Fielding errors played a surprising role throughout the showdown: England dropped seven chances while India lost four, but England compensated with sharper bowling when it mattered. Captains Tammy Beaumont (England) and Harmanpreet Kaur (India) both acknowledged the match’s intensities in their post-game reflections. Beaumont praised her team’s resolve; Kaur, rueful yet proud, admitted India held the advantage deep into the contest.

What’s Next?

The series now heads to Manchester’s Old Trafford on July 9, with England eager to level at 2–2 and India looking to take an unassailable 3–1 lead. Spectators are anticipating another gripping clash as both teams hunt momentum and supreme confidence.

Summary

The third T20I at The Oval will be remembered for its stunning twists: England’s resilient rebuilding after a near-loss of control, a tenacious bowling performance under pressure, and a nail-biting finish that kept the crowd on its feet until the last ball. As the series now narrows, both sides have reasons to feel buoyant—England for keeping their hopes alive, and India for having once again pushed back fiercely.

SCORECARD

ENGW 171/9 (20)
INDW 166/5 (20)

England Women won by 5 runs
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Sophia Dunkley