India Women continued their winning run with a comfortable 24-run victory in the second match of the five-match T20I series against England in Bristol. India posted a competitive 181/4 in 20 overs. In response, England were restricted to 157/7 in their full 20 overs.
After England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt chose to bowl first, the visitors lost three quick wickets in the first six overs. They were 3/31 in 5.1 overs, with Shafali Verma scoring just three runs. Smriti Mandhana, who scored a century in the previous game and marked her 150th T20I, could only manage 13 runs. Regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur returned after missing the first game but managed only one run.
At number three, Jemimah Rodrigues entered the scene. She and Amanjot Kaur stabilised the innings with a 93-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Rodrigues scored 63 runs off 41 balls at a strike rate of 153.65. Her mix of classical shots and innovative strokes kept the momentum.
After Rodrigues’ dismissal, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh joined Amanjot. They stitched together an unbeaten 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Richa contributed a quick 32 off 20 balls, supporting Amanjot, who finished unbeaten on 63 off 40 balls. Amanjot’s innings, especially against spinners, picked up pace as she found gaps to score runs
England’s improved fielding was a crucial part of the match. They took several sharp catches, aside from one easy drop by Tammy Beaumont. With the ball, the home team showed better planning this time. Lauren Bell shone with figures of 2/17 in four overs while Lauren Filer and Em Arlott each took one wicket.
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In reply, India’s bowlers had a strong start. They dismissed both England openers quickly. Sophia Dunkley got out due to a run-out, while Deepti Sharma dismissed Danni Wyatt.
England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 13 runs off 10 balls before being dismissed by Amanjot Kaur. Later, Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont added 70 runs for the fourth wicket. However, Beaumont was run out for 54 off 35 balls.
Then, Shree Charani took crucial wickets by dismissing both Alice Capsey for five and Amy Jones for 32. Sophie Ecclestone added 35 off 23 balls but was run out on the final delivery. England eventually finished on 157/7 in their 20 overs.
For her all-round performance, Amanjot Kaur was named Player of the Match. In the post-match presentation, she said: “I am feeling quite overwhelmed, happy to contribute to this win. Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but I had no pressure on comeback, just doing what I love to do. I had time to plan things, I worked it out. Jemimah, the way she played her innings, it was quite impressive. The bowlers bowled very well, 150 was par so we backed our bowlers and got it.”
In contrast, England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt vowed to make a comeback. Reflecting on the game, she said: “They played very well, a big partnership. We didn’t adapt as quickly as we’d like. This is not the end. We’ll come back with some fresh ideas, try and be more clinical, and take some confidence from this game.”
With this win, India lead the series 2-0. The third T20I is scheduled to take place at the Oval on 4 July.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W, 1st T20I: Mandhana Ton, Charani 4-wicket haul hand India 97-Run Win