India created history on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, by clinching their first Women's T20I series victory against England with a convincing six-wicket victory in the fourth game, thanks to a brilliant outing from their spinners.
The visitors now have an unbeatable 3-1 advantage in the five-match series with one final encounter remaining in Birmingham on Saturday, July 12.
India's last victory against England in the T20I format was a standalone game played in Derby back in 2006. Ever since, the Indian women's team had failed to win a series against the English, either at home or abroad — until now.
Spin was the key to this historic victory. Radha Yadav (2 for 15), young Shree Charani (2 for 30), and Deepti Sharma (1 for 29) combined to destroy the English batting line-up, limiting them to a sub-par 126 for 7.
Openers Shafali Verma (32) and Smriti Mandhana (31) then controlled the chase, putting together a smooth 56-run stand for the first wicket. Their fierce opening ensured India cruised to victory with three overs in hand, making it a night to recollect.
This win comes at a crucial time for the Indian side as they gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to be held in England next year — providing them with vital exposure to local playing conditions.
We are truly thankful that we have managed to do this (series win). I am truly proud of my team the way we have played this series. It was very crucial to achieve that momentum and I'm truly happy the way we all contributed," captain Harmanpreet Kaur added during the post-match ceremony.
She also added, "We had very nice camps at home prior to arriving here. We did all our planning, accordingly we have implemented everything here. Everyone was well aware of his/her task and accordingly we all performed."
Kaur's team has been in top gear on the tour. They started the series with a record-breaking 97-run victory, followed by a 24-run victory in Bristol — England's first-ever T20I defeat at the venue. While India lost the third match narrowly by five runs, they made a come back forcefully in the fourth.
England, choosing to bat first, dawdled early on as Radha and Deepti picked them up within the powerplay, taking away both openers. Tammy Beaumont, playing in place of injured Nat Sciver-Brunt, provided initial resistance with a quick 20 off 16 balls, including three boundaries. Her innings was cut short by Radha, and Charani then got rid of Alice Capsey lbw just five balls later, having England reeling at 93 for 5.
India's well-disciplined bowling was supported by aggressive fielding that kept England under wraps during the middle overs and did not allow them to gain momentum.
In response, Shafali mounted a bold assault on England's short-ball strategy, hitting six boundaries. Mandhana emulated her aggression, striking five of her own fours. Although both were out in a jiffy, their stand had already laid the groundwork.
Jemimah Rodrigues (24*) and Harmanpreet Kaur (26) guided India through a drought of runs from overs 8 to 14 with no boundaries, but held their nerves to steer the team over the finish line.
This is India's first ever bilateral T20I series win over England — at home or abroad — making it a new chapter in Indian women's cricket.
It was also an individual landmark for Harmanpreet Kaur, who joined Mithali Raj's record of most international matches played for India and hit the 333-cap mark.
At the same time, Deepti Sharma equaled Sophie Ecclestone as the highest wicket-taker in India vs England women's T20Is with both now having 23 wickets — tying the previous record of Katherine Sciver-Brunt.
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