NewzVille Sports Desk
India Women have secured the Vitality IT20 series with a 6 wicket win at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester with one match remaining.
Batting first, England struggled to find rhythm despite early intent from openers Sophia Dunkley (22) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (5). Deepti Sharma made the first breakthrough, removing Wyatt-Hodge in the third over and setting the tone for India’s disciplined bowling performance.
Stand-in captain for England Tammy Beaumont (20) offered resistance but regular wickets kept England on the back foot. A late flourish came from Sophie Ecclestone (16*), earning her 100th IT20 cap, and Issy Wong (11*) pushed England to 126 from their 20 overs.
India’s chase was led by Smriti Mandhana (32), who, alongside Shafali Verma (31), took on England’s pace attack with confidence building a quick 50-run partnership.
England found brief hope when Charlie Dean (1–29) removed Verma and Ecclestone (1–20) dismissed Mandhana. But India were in full control.
Contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (24) and India captain Harmanpreet Kaur (26) ensured a smooth chase, sealing victory with three overs to spare.
India have now sealed their victory in the series as they stand 3-1 up going into the final match at Edgbaston on Saturday 12 July.
