England Women clinched a convincing six-wicket victory over India Women in the third and final T20I at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. Chasing a challenging target of 181, the hosts produced a commanding batting display and reached 184/4 in just 18.3 overs, thanks largely to a match-defining partnership between Alice Capsey and Heather Knight.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, England managed to restrict India to 180/5 despite a strong middle-order effort from the visitors. The result completed a remarkable turnaround for England, who had lost the opening match of the series by 38 runs before bouncing back with victories in the second and third T20Is.
Harmanpreet Kaur leads India’s recovery after early setbacks
India’s innings got off to a shaky start as both openers departed cheaply. Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for 8, while Shafali Verma contributed 11 before England struck twice inside the powerplay. Yastika Bhatia counterattacked brilliantly, smashing 32 off just 18 deliveries with seven boundaries to keep the scoreboard moving.
The momentum was maintained by Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a fluent knock of 29 from 19 balls. However, it was captain Harmanpreet Kaur who anchored the innings with a superb half-century. The Indian skipper scored 56 off 40 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and ensuring her side remained on course for a competitive total.
Deepti Sharma provided valuable support in the latter stages with an unbeaten 32 from 24 balls, helping India finish strongly at 180/5 from their allotted 20 overs. Richa Ghosh chipped in with six runs from four deliveries. For England, Lauren Bell was the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 36 runs. Linsey Smith and Charlotte Dean picked up one wicket each, while Sophie Ecclestone and Danielle Gibson went wicketless despite keeping things relatively controlled through the middle overs.
Alice Capsey and Heather Knight turn the chase into a one-sided affair
England’s chase began steadily but not without a few setbacks. Sophia Dunkley made 16 before falling to Arundhati Reddy, while Danielle Wyatt Hodge and Amy Jones were unable to make significant contributions. At 27/3, India had an opportunity to seize control of the contest.
However, Capsey and Knight had other plans. The duo launched a stunning counterattack that completely shifted the momentum in England’s favour. Capsey played one of her finest T20I innings, hammering 82 off just 43 balls with nine fours and three sixes. She consistently found gaps and punished anything loose, putting immense pressure on the Indian bowling attack.
At the other end, Knight produced a classy unbeaten 70 from 42 deliveries, striking ten boundaries. The England captain expertly rotated the strike while also finding regular boundaries, ensuring the required rate never became a concern. Their partnership effectively took the game away from India, and despite the late dismissal of Capsey, England comfortably crossed the finish line with nine balls to spare.
Reddy and Kranti Gaud picked up two wickets apiece for India, but the bowlers struggled to contain England’s aggressive middle-order assault. Deepti, Shree Charani and Nandani Sharma were unable to make breakthroughs as England raced to victory.
England got the better of India in the deciding 3rd T20I to clinch the series 💪#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/SMWICmNbiV
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) June 3, 2026
The T20I leg of the tour now concludes with England holding the upper hand after winning the final two matches. India had started strongly with a 38-run victory in the opening game, but England responded with a 26-run win in the second T20I before sealing the series lead with this six-wicket triumph in Taunton. The focus now shifts to the highly anticipated one-off Test between the two sides, scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Friday, July 10.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
