Rain of Runs and Resilience: India Women Clinch Series Thriller Against England in 5th T20I

Key Highlights

 

Indian Women's cricket team finished their England tour on a high in the 5th T20I at Edgbaston, Birmingham, winning the series with an incredible performance on July 12, 2025. Both sides were fighting for the number one spot in the game, but India's all-round performance proved to be the clincher in the decider match.

 

Match Summary

 

England Women also managed a fighting score, totalling 163/4 in 19.2 overs, with Paige Scholfield holding the innings together in the death overs. England's top order came in methodically, but India's bowlers made sure to keep getting the breakthroughs at the right time, thereby stopping a late charge.

 

India Women, chasing 164, began their innings with a spirited start. The Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma opening pair provided it a swift beginning, adding 53 runs in powerplay without losing a single wicket. Mandhana classy strokeplay and Verma's belligerence left England in trouble early on.

 

The middle order, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, continued the momentum, rotating the strike and dispatching loose balls. Important contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh kept India in front of the run rate needed.

 

India weathered a few initial wickets in the middle overs. Three overs were left when the target was reached, at 167/5 in 17 overs, to win the match by five wickets.

 

Standout Performances

 

Smriti Mandhana was the batting star with a match-winning 62 out of 38 balls.

 

Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav were formidable with the ball, taking crucial wickets and maintaining strict lines throughout the English innings.

 

Paige Scholfield bettered England's tally but it was not enough to stop India's onslaught.

 

Series Impact

 

India Women's 3-2 series win is an excellent feat on English territory, reflecting their depth and flexibility in formats. The success of the team was based on stable opening partnerships, defensive bowling, and match-winning performances under pressure.

 

The tour then moves to the ODI leg, where India has momentum and confidence to carry into the second phase.

 

Sources: Hindustan Times, Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, News18, BBC Sport