England secured a narrow five-run victory against India in a thrilling third T20 international at the Kia Oval on Friday, keeping the five-match series alive. After losing the first two matches, England needed a win to stay in contention, and they delivered in a nail-biting finish.
The match was filled with dramatic twists and turns, with both teams experiencing batting collapses and moments of brilliance in the field. England's innings began strongly, with Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt-Hodge forging a formidable opening partnership. The duo put on a rollicking century stand, propelling England to 137-0 from 15 overs. Dunkley top-scored with 75 off 53 balls, while Wyatt-Hodge contributed 66 off 42.
However, a sudden collapse saw England lose nine wickets for just 31 runs in the space of 4.4 overs. This dramatic slump limited them to a total of 171-9, a score that India seemed well-placed to chase down.
India's chase began brightly, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana putting on an 85-run partnership. The pair pushed India ahead of the required run rate, setting a strong foundation for the innings. However, Lauren Filer's introduction into the attack proved to be a game-changer.
Filer's pace and aggression rattled the Indian batters, and she struck crucial blows by removing Jemimah Rodrigues and the well-set Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana, who had reached a half-century, was dismissed for 56, caught at mid-on. Filer's spell of fast bowling injected new energy into the England side, shifting the momentum of the match.
The game went down to the wire, with India needing 12 runs from the final over. Lauren Bell was entrusted with the responsibility of bowling the last over, and she held her nerve despite the pressure. With six runs required off the final ball, Bell had Harmanpreet Kaur caught at mid-off, securing a dramatic victory for England.
Despite a flurry of dropped chances in the field, England's bowlers ultimately found the answers to some tough questions posed by India. Filer, Wong, Ecclestone and Bell combined cool heads and hostile bowling to hold on for the win.
The victory keeps the series alive, with India now leading 2-1. The fourth T20 is scheduled for next Wednesday at Old Trafford.
