In the 4th T20I: India Clinch a Six-Run Triumph, Securing the First-Ever Series Victory Over England
On a historic day at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 9, 2025, the Indian Women's cricket team clinched their first-ever bilateral T20I series win against England, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
The match, marked by numerous significant records, saw India successfully chasing down a target of 126 runs, winning by six wickets in just 17 overs. This impressive victory was a testament to the team's strong performance, particularly in a crucial match.
England, who chose to bat first after winning the toss, managed only 88 runs in the last 13 overs due to India's spin bowling and fielding. The English innings closed at 127-6 in 20 overs, with India's spin quartet of Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Shree Charani, and Arundhati Reddy taking two wickets each.
Key contributors for England included Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (16 runs), Sophia Dunkley (26), Alice Capsey (19), Tammy Beaumont (16), Amy Jones (16), and Sophie Ecclestone, who played her 100th T20I match for England, a significant milestone in her career.
In response, India's openers, Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues, put on a 56-run partnership off 43 balls. Shafali Verma scored 31 runs from 19 balls, while Jemimah Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 24 off 22 balls. Her partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 26 off 25, helped India reach the target.
Harmanpreet Kaur appeared for her 333rd national-team cap, equaling the record of Mithali Raj. Deepti Sharma, meanwhile, claimed her 34th wicket in India vs England T20I matches, becoming the joint-top wicket-taker in the bilateral matches.
The India Women Playing XI for the match included Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Nallapureddy Charani. The England Women Playing XI included Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Tammy Beaumont (c), Amy Jones (wk), Paige Scholfield, Sophie Ecclestone, Isabelle Wong, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, and Lauren Bell.
This series win marks a significant achievement for the Indian team, who have been steadily improving their T20I game. The team's spin-heavy strategy, as demonstrated in this match, has proven effective in limiting opposing teams' scores and setting up successful chases. The team's focus on consistent performance and individual milestones has led to this historic victory, setting a strong precedent for future matches.
In the historic victory, the spin-heavy strategy of the Indian Women's cricket team played a crucial role, limiting England's score to 127-6 in 20 overs, with the team's spin quartet contributing significantly. Moreover, this impressive win in sports, securing an unassailable 3-1 lead, is a testament to the team's improved T20I game and their focus on setting up successful sports victories.
