Riding on brilliant half-centuries from Amanjot Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, India defeated England by 24 runs in the second T20I at the County Ground in Bristol on Tuesday. With this win, India has taken a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
After being asked to bat first, India got off to a shaky start, losing Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Harmanpreet Kaur within the powerplay. Verma was caught out early, while Mandhana, the centurion from the previous match, followed soon after. Harmanpreet Kaur, returning to the side, also failed to make an impact. At 31/3, India was in a precarious position.
Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur then orchestrated a remarkable recovery. The pair combined to add 93 runs for the fourth wicket, providing stability and momentum to the Indian innings. Rodrigues played aggressively, smashing boundaries and a six en route to her half-century. Amanjot Kaur also found her rhythm, putting pressure on the English bowlers. Rodrigues was eventually dismissed for 63 off 41 balls, including nine fours and a six.
Amanjot Kaur continued her impressive innings, reaching her maiden T20I half-century. She remained unbeaten on 63 off 40 balls, hitting nine boundaries. Richa Ghosh provided the final flourish, contributing a quick-fire 32 not out off 20 balls. The late surge propelled India to a formidable total of 181/4. India plundered 117 runs in the final 10 overs.
In response, England's chase got off to a disastrous start. Sophia Dunkley was run out due to a mix-up, and Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed in the very next ball. Deepti Sharma took a wicket off the first ball. England's top order crumbled, leaving them reeling at 17/2. Tammy Beaumont fought valiantly, scoring a 35-ball 54. However, she found little support from the other batters. Sophie Ecclestone contributed 35, but the required run rate kept climbing. Shree Charani led the Indian bowling attack, taking 2 wickets for 28 runs. The Indian bowlers maintained consistent pressure, restricting England to 157/7 in their 20 overs.
Amanjot Kaur was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance. India's victory in the second T20I gives them a commanding 2-0 lead in the series and puts them one step closer to securing the overall title. The third T20I will be played at The Oval on Friday.
