A historic maiden Women’s T20 series victory already scripted towards England, India failed to finish on a excessive, dropping to the hosts by 5 wickets in a last-ball thriller in an inconsequential fifth and closing match right here.
India, nonetheless, gained the series 3-2.
India rode on Shafali Verma’s quick-fire 75 to attain 167 for 7, a goal which England chased down with 5 wickets to spare on the final ball.
Sent in to bat on Saturday (July 12, 2025), India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana began on an aggressive notice, hitting Em Arlott for consecutive boundaries in the opening over earlier than perishing on the final supply, caught by Linsey Smith at level whereas making an attempt to drag a brief supply.
Jemimah Rodrigues too did not final lengthy, departing an over later bowled by Smith.
Shafali Verma (75) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (15) then stitched 66 runs off 43 balls for the third wicket to take India ahead earlier than the latter was cleaned up by off-spinner Charlie Dean (3/23).
Next in Harleen Deol too did not make a mark, out LBW to Sophie Ecclestone (2/28).
Shafali, alternatively, was going nice weapons by dealing in boundaries to notch up her rating in simply 41 balls. She hit 13 boundaries and a six.
In truth in the seventh over, Shafali was notably extreme on medium pacer Issy Wong, hitting the bowler for 3 boundaries and a six to select up 20 runs. She performed her photographs throughout the bottom, with the straight drive over the bowler’s head standing out.
Shafali introduced up her fifty in simply 23 balls, the second joint-fastest by an (*75*) girl in WT20s, when she smashed Ecclestone over the covers for 4.
Dean lastly obtained the prized scalp of Shafali in the 14th over when Maia Bouchier took an excellent diving catch at lengthy on with India at 111 for five.
Wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh struck a fast 16-ball 24, whereas Radha Yadav made a run-a-ball 14 as India made 56 runs off final 41 balls.
Chasing, openers Sophia Dunkley (46 off 30) and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (56 off 37) gave England a flying begin, sharing a 101-run stand in simply 10.4 overs to set the tone.
India made a comeback by dismissing each Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge in fast succession however skipper Tammy Beaumont (30) and Bouchier (16) ensured a win.
There was a slight scare for England in the ultimate over once they wanted six runs.
Right-arm pacer Arundhati Reddy (2/47) picked up two wickets in the final over — first disturbing Beaumont’s stumps with a slower supply after which dismissing Amy Jones, caught by Radha a ball later with England nonetheless needing 5 off 3 balls.
But Ecclestone and Paige Scholfield held their nerves to take England residence.
India and England will now have interaction in a three-match ODI series, beginning July 16 at Southampton.
