ENG-W vs IND-W 2025, 5th T20I Highlights: England clinch thrilling chase for a consolation win

In a captivating conclusion to the five-match series, England Women clinched a dramatic five-wicket victory over India Women in the 5th T20I at Edgbaston. The match, a high-scoring affair that went down to the very last ball, saw England chase down India’s challenging total of 167. Despite the loss in the final encounter, India Women celebrated a momentous achievement, securing the five-match T20I series 3-2, marking their first-ever bilateral T20I series win on English soil.

Shafali Verma’s brilliance meets Charlie Dean’s decisiveness

Having won the toss, England Women opted to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed to backfire as India’s dynamic opener Shafali Verma unleashed a sensational display of power hitting. Verma dominated the Indian innings, smashing a blistering 75 runs off just 41 deliveries, an innings laced with 13 fours and a six. Her aggressive approach provided India with a strong foundation, propelling them to a formidable score. However, England’s spinners, particularly Charlotte Dean, managed to stem the flow of runs and pick up crucial wickets. Dean was the standout bowler for England, delivering a decisive spell of 4 overs for only 23 runs while claiming three vital wickets. She accounted for the prized scalps of India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur (15), the dangerous Shafali Verma herself, and Deepti Sharma (7), effectively disrupting India’s middle-order momentum. Sophie Ecclestone also contributed significantly with two wickets for 28 runs, ensuring India’s total remained within reach at 167/7 after their allotted 20 overs.

England’s resilient chase and last-ball drama

In pursuit of 168, England’s opening pair of Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge provided a dream start, laying a solid foundation with a commanding 101-run partnership. Wyatt-Hodge, celebrating her 300th international appearance, led the charge with a fluent 56 runs off 37 balls, adorned with nine boundaries. Dunkley supported her well with a brisk 46 off 30 deliveries. However, once the openers departed, India’s bowlers mounted a spirited comeback. Deepti Sharma spearheaded this fightback, picking up two crucial wickets for 31 runs, while Radha Yadav bowled an exceptionally economical spell, conceding just 20 runs and taking one wicket.

The match culminated in a thrilling final over, with England needing six runs for victory. India’s Arundhati Reddy bowled with immense pressure, taking two quick wickets, including the dismissal of England captain Tammy Beaumont (30) and Amy Jones (10), to push the game to the wire. With just one run required off the final ball, England’s lower order held their nerve, scampering a single to seal a memorable five-wicket win.

Here’s the video:

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Player of the Match and Player of the Series

Charlie Dean’s impactful bowling performance earned her the Player of the Match award, while India’s Shree Charani was recognized as the Player of the Series for her consistent contributions throughout the tournament. The series now transitions to the ODI format, with the 1st ODI scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, at The Rose Bowl.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.