India may have lost the final T20I by the narrowest of margins, but the bigger prize was already in the bag. With a 3-2 series win over England, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side walked away with the honours after a hard-fought campaign that ended with yet another last-ball finish — this time in Birmingham.
Set a target of 168, England rode on a milestone knock from Danni Wyatt-Hodge — playing her 300th international match — and a blazing 41 from Sophia Dunkley to set up the chase. Their 101-run opening partnership had India under pressure early on. But the visitors, who had defended totals and fought back all series, weren’t going to make it easy.
ENG-W vs IND-W, 5th T20I: Highlights
With the game heading into the final over and six needed to win, pacer Arundhati Reddy nearly turned hero, picking up two wickets in her first three balls. But Sophie Ecclestone kept her calm under pressure and, with one needed off the last ball, edged England home — just about.
Still, the night belonged to India — and more specifically, Shafali Verma. Returning to the T20I setup with a point to prove, she hammered 75 off 41 balls, a knock filled with crisp hitting and fearless intent. Walking in after India were two down inside three overs, Shafali took control, punishing anything loose and keeping the scoreboard moving.
Her fifty came in just 23 balls — the joint second-fastest by an Indian woman in T20Is — as she dominated the middle overs. While wickets kept falling around her, Shafali stayed composed and gave India a fighting total of 167 for 7.
Charlie Dean was the standout with the ball for England, picking up 3 for 23 and breaking crucial partnerships. Ecclestone also chipped in with two wickets. But India’s batters, outside Shafali, struggled to convert starts, with no one else crossing 25.
What stood out for India in this series — and again in this match — was their fight. Whether it was winning tight finishes, backing their young bowlers, or trusting experience in crunch moments, this was a series that showcased their growing depth and character.
Even though England managed a win in the last match, it came after three straight defeats and multiple close calls.
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