India Women vs England Women T20I opener at Trent Bridge witnessed a commanding performance from India. Led by stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana, India handed England their biggest defeat in T20I history, securing a dominant 97-run victory.
India Women vs England Women: Mandhana Leads from the Front
Smriti Mandhana rose to the occasion in Harmanpreet Kaur’s absence, smashing her maiden T20I century with elegance and authority. Her explosive 112 off 62 balls, decorated with 15 fours and 3 sixes, anchored India’s imposing total of 210/5.
Despite England’s attempts to test her with short balls, Mandhana remained unfazed. She reached her century in just 51 balls, becoming one of the few players to hit centuries in all three formats of international cricket.
India Women vs England Women: Deol Supports with Blazing 43
Harleen Deol gave excellent support at No. 3 with a quickfire 43 from 23 deliveries, as India posted their second-highest total in T20Is — 210/5.
Harleen Deol Adds Firepower in the Middle
While Mandhana dominated the top, Harleen Deol played a vital role at No. 3, scoring a quickfire 43 from just 23 deliveries. Her aggressive stroke play, especially on the sweep, helped boost the run rate during the middle overs.
Together, Mandhana and Deol laid a solid foundation that propelled India to their second-highest T20I total ever.
Ecclestone’s Tough Return and Bell’s Bright Spot
Sophie Ecclestone returned to the England side but had a forgettable outing. She conceded 43 runs in her three overs, with Mandhana hitting her for two big sixes. In contrast, Lauren Bell impressed with 3 wickets, including crucial strikes in the death overs.
Bell dismissed Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues in quick succession, and eventually helped remove Deol, slowing India’s late acceleration.
Shree Charani Shines Bright on Debut
N Shree Charani stole the show in the second innings, claiming 4 wickets for just 12 runs. The debutant spinner dismantled England’s middle and lower order, sealing a crushing win.
Her spell included the dismissals of Alice Capsey and the final wicket of Lauren Bell, as England were bowled out for just 113 inside 15 overs.
Sciver-Brunt Fights Alone Amid England’s Collapse
Only Nat Sciver-Brunt showed resistance, scoring 66 runs off 38 balls. She stood tall amid the collapse but lacked support from the other batters. Her fifty came off just 31 balls and included some elegant shots over the cover region.
However, her dismissal — caught behind off Charani — marked the end of any lingering hopes for England.
Spin Strikes Again as India Dominates
India’s spinners, including Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, maintained tight lines and extracted turn. Deepti removed Wyatt-Hodge and Beaumont early, while Radha cleaned up Amy Jones.
Shree Charani’s disciplined bowling added more pressure, and England’s batting lineup faltered under the spin challenge.
India Women vs England Women: A Reality Check for Hosts
This encounter proved to be a harsh wake-up call for England, especially after their clean sweep against the West Indies. India exposed the hosts’ weaknesses with clinical precision and all-round brilliance.
With four more matches to go in the series, England will need a quick turnaround, while India will look to build on this momentum.
