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England Edge India in Last-Ball Thriller to Keep T20I Series Alive
Dunkley, Filer Star as England Clinch Five-Run Win at The Oval
England women held their nerve in a tense final-over finish to defeat India by five runs in the third and final T20I at The Oval, thus avoiding a whitewash and keeping the series alive. After being outplayed in the first two games, a composed opening partnership between Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, backed by a fiery spell from Lauren Filer, helped England turn the tide despite a near-fatal batting collapse.
Powerful Opening Stand Crumbles Under Pressure
Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge Dominate the Powerplay
Batting first, England looked poised for a massive total after a commanding start from openers Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The pair added 137 runs for the first wicket in just 15.2 overs, sending the Indian bowlers on a leather hunt. Dunkley was elegant and controlled throughout her 75-run knock, while Wyatt-Hodge returned to form with a fluent 66, ensuring India had little room to breathe in the opening phase.
Both batters found boundaries at will, exploiting loose deliveries and rotating strike efficiently. India’s fielding also didn’t help matters, with a couple of dropped chances allowing the English pair to capitalise further.
Dramatic Collapse: From 137/0 to 171/9
The turning point came when Deepti Sharma dismissed Dunkley with a return catch off a low full toss. From there, the innings unraveled. In a span of fewer than five overs, England lost nine wickets for just 34 runs. Arundhati Reddy bowled a stunning over where she picked three wickets, while Deepti and Shree Charani also chipped in, ensuring India clawed their way back.
What once looked like a 190-plus total was suddenly reduced to 171/9 by the end of 20 overs.
🔗 Also read: India Women’s Series Lead and Player Performances
India’s Chase Derails in Final Overs
Mandhana-Verma Pair Lays Solid Foundation
In response, India started confidently. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave the visitors a dream start, putting on 85 runs for the first wicket. Shafali, in particular, was explosive, smashing 47 off 25 balls, including 7 boundaries and 2 sixes. Mandhana, meanwhile, paced her innings well and reached her half-century in 38 balls.
England, visibly nervous in the field, dropped three simple catches during this period and appeared completely flat. At the halfway mark, the momentum was with India.
Filer’s Pace Swings the Game
The breakthrough came from Sophie Ecclestone, who bowled Verma with a clever delivery. Soon after, Lauren Filer made her mark with two critical breakthroughs — first removing Jemimah Rodrigues, then dismissing Mandhana who miscued a lofted shot after a few dot balls. Filer’s pace and aggressive intent were instrumental in choking India’s middle overs.
Despite those setbacks, Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh kept the chase alive. With 20 needed off the last two overs, India still looked favourites.
Final Over Drama Seals the Match for England
Bell Holds Her Nerve in the Final Over
Charlie Dean delivered a stunning moment in the penultimate over by taking a diving catch in the deep to dismiss Ghosh, pushing the pressure back onto India. With 12 runs needed in the final over and Harmanpreet at the crease, England turned to Lauren Bell.
Bell bowled a tight final over, mixing her pace smartly. With six needed off the final ball, Harmanpreet attempted to clear mid-off but only found Sophie Ecclestone, who took a safe catch and sealed the win for England.
Match Highlights and Key Takeaways
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Sophia Dunkley (75) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (66) set the tone with a record opening stand.
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England collapsed from 137/0 to 171/9, giving India a realistic chase.
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Lauren Filer (2-30) produced the most crucial spell of the game, removing two set batters.
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Smriti Mandhana (56) and Shafali Verma (47) starred for India but couldn’t finish the job.
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Lauren Bell’s final over was the difference as England clinched a thrilling last-ball win.
📊 Brief Scores
England: 171/9 in 20 overs (Dunkley 75, Wyatt-Hodge 66; Deepti Sharma 3-27, Arundhati Reddy 3-32)
India: 166/5 in 20 overs (Mandhana 56, Shafali Verma 47; Filer 2-30)
Result: England won by 5 runs
Full Match Scorecard – ESPNcricinfo
