England Beat India by 26 Runs to Level Women’s T20I Series 1-1

The second women’s T20 International turned into a tightly fought contest before England women’s cricket team held their nerve to defeat India women’s cricket team by 26 runs, levelling the three match series 1-1 at Bristol on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 169, India were restricted to 142 for 9 in 20 overs despite a steady start from the top order. Smriti Mandhana contributed 32 while Yastika Bhatia top scored with 33 before retiring out, leaving India with too much to do in the closing stages of the chase.

England’s bowling unit delivered under pressure, with Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell picking up two wickets each to break the backbone of India’s batting line up. Freya Kemp once again proved decisive, combining her impact with the ball and a strong batting effort earlier in the innings.

Earlier, Kemp’s explosive unbeaten 39 off just 13 balls gave England the late momentum they needed to reach 168 for 5 in 20 overs. Her aggressive stroke play shifted the tempo in the death overs and ensured a competitive total on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers at times.

India’s bowling effort had earlier kept them in the contest. Left arm spinner Shree Charani impressed with figures of 3 for 25, applying control in the middle overs. Nandani Sharma and Shreyanka Patil also chipped in with a wicket each, but England managed crucial runs in the final phase.

With both sides now locked at 1-1, the series heads into a decisive third T20I, setting up a high stakes finale after two closely contested matches.