England completed a 2-1 T20I series victory over India with a six-wicket win in the third and final match at Taunton, successfully chasing down 181 in a high-pressure contest.
England finished on 184 for 4 after India had earlier posted 180 for 5, with half-centuries from Alice Capsey and Heather Knight proving decisive in a crucial final outing before the T20 World Cup in Birmingham starting June 12.
Capsey struck 82 off 43 balls, while Knight remained unbeaten on 70 from 42 deliveries, sealing the chase with a boundary off Deepti Sharma. The pair shared a 137-run stand for the fourth wicket after England had slipped to 38 for 3, turning the match firmly in their favour.
India Set Competitive Target
India’s innings was anchored by Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored an unbeaten half-century after arriving at the crease with her side at 60 for 3 in the seventh over. Contributions from Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues helped India reach 180 for 5, setting up a competitive total.
Earlier, India made a steady start despite losing Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana early. Bhatia and Rodrigues added momentum, including a 38-run partnership, before a sharp piece of fielding from Sophie Ecclestone resulted in Bhatia’s run-out.
More Read
Rodrigues later fell to Lauren Bell, but Harmanpreet and Deepti combined for a 67-run partnership that strengthened India’s total. Harmanpreet eventually reached her fifty off 38 balls, marking her 17th T20I half-century and her first against England.
Capsey Leads England’s Recovery
England’s chase began under pressure as Kranti Gaud made an immediate impact after returning to the XI. She removed Danni Wyatt-Hodge with a delivery that moved off the seam and later dismissed Amy Jones, leaving England in difficulty.
Sophia Dunkley also fell early, continuing a difficult run of form, as England found themselves at 38 for 3. From there, Capsey and Knight rebuilt the innings with composure and attacking intent.
More Read
Capsey reached her half-century from just 27 balls, combining timing and power to shift momentum. She accelerated further, including a sequence of 4, 6, 6 off N Shree Charani in the 16th over.
Knight also found form at the right time, bringing up her fifty off 31 balls after a run of low scores earlier in the series. Their partnership ensured England remained ahead in the chase before Capsey was dismissed in the 18th over.
Knight, however, stayed unbeaten to guide England home, completing one of their highest successful run chases in T20Is and sealing the series victory.
