In a dramatic climax to the five-match series, England Women snatched a five-wicket victory off the final ball against India at Edgbaston. The win, their highest successful T20 International chase on home soil, provided a thrilling end for the hosts, though India ultimately claimed the series honours with a 3-2 triumph.
Chasing a target of 168, England found themselves needing a precarious six runs from the final over. India`s Arundhati Reddy delivered a spellbinding start, conceding just one run while remarkably claiming the wickets of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones off the first three deliveries. The tension was palpable, but Sophie Ecclestone and Paige Scholfield held their nerve, navigating a tight run-out opportunity at the non-striker`s end before squeezing the winning single on the very last ball.
The foundation for England`s chase was meticulously laid by a formidable 101-run opening partnership between Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley. Wyatt-Hodge, celebrating her 300th international appearance, led the charge with an aggressive 56 off just 37 deliveries. Dunkley provided solid support, contributing 46 off 30 balls as the pair capitalised expertly on the powerplay overs, rocketing to 57 without loss within the first six.
However, the momentum shifted when Radha Yadav broke the century stand in the 11th over, clean bowling Dunkley. This triggered a mini-collapse, with Deepti Sharma quickly removing Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier. Suddenly, England were 139 for 3, the required rate climbing. Captain Beaumont attempted to counter the pressure with a brisk 30 off 20 balls before falling to Reddy on the first ball of the dramatic final over. Radha Yadav then showcased brilliant athleticism with a diving catch to dismiss Jones, leaving England needing five runs from three balls. It was left to Ecclestone, who cleverly sliced a boundary over short third man for three, and Scholfield, who nudged a single, to bring the equation down to one needed from the final delivery, which they coolly secured.
Earlier in the match, India`s innings was ignited by a blistering performance from Shafali Verma, who smashed 75 runs off just 41 balls, featuring 13 fours and a six. Despite losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues early, Shafali powered India to a strong position of 94 for 3 at the halfway mark. Yet, England`s spinners managed to apply the brakes effectively. Charlie Dean was particularly impressive, taking 3 wickets for 23 runs, including the crucial dismissals of Shafali and the dangerous Harmanpreet Kaur. Sophie Ecclestone also chipped in with two wickets, notably removing Richa Ghosh in the penultimate over. Useful late contributions from Ghosh, Radha Yadav, and Arundhati Reddy helped India reach a competitive total of 167 for 7 after their 20 overs.
While the series silverware heads to India, England`s resilient performance in the final match, culminating in a thrilling last-ball chase, demonstrated significant character and provided a memorable conclusion to the contest.
