The five-match T20I series between England Women and India Women has come alive. After trailing 0-2, England stormed back into contention with a nerve-wracking 5-run win in the third T20I at The Oval, reducing the deficit to 1-2. With momentum shifting and both sides now eyeing control, the stage is perfectly set for a high-stakes fourth T20I, on July 9, 2025, at Old Trafford, Manchester.
India had looked in complete command after dominant wins in the first two matches, but England’s spirited comeback has not only revived the series but also reignited the rivalry. As the team’s head into the penultimate clash, the pressure mounts with England aiming to level the series and India determined to weigh the winning byte in their side.
In the third T20 International, England women sealed a victory by 5 runs to re-alive the series against India women. Sophia Dunkley anchored the England innings with a fluent 75 off 53 balls. Danni Wyatt‑Hodge provided strong support with a 66‑run knock from 42 deliveries, propelling England to 137/0 before a late collapse. England then slumped, losing nine wickets in quick succession, a dramatic collapse steered by Deepti Sharma (3/27) and Arundhati Reddy (3/32).
India got off to a strong start with an 85‑run opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana (56 off 49 balls) and Shafali Verma (47 off 25). However, Lauren Filer (2/30) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/24) applied crucial pressure, curbing the chase during the middle overs. Harmanpreet Kaur, needing six off the last ball, sliced a shot to Ecclestone at mid‑off, sealing England’s narrow victory.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
Tammy Beaumont (C), Emily Arlott, Maia Bouchier, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Paige Scholfield, Linsey Smith, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Issy Wong
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Sayali Satghare, Radha Yadav
Players to watch out:
Sophia Dunkley
England’s top-order batter stood tall in their third-match resurgence, blasting 75 off 53 balls at a strike rate of 141. Dunkley’s aggressive intent in the powerplay gave England the early momentum they needed. Having scored 1177 runs in 58 WT20I innings, with the personal best of 81*, she remains one of the most impactful batters in the English lineup and a player to watch as the series heads into its crucial stage.
Lauren Filer
The young pace sensation has made an impressive start to her international T20 career. Her 2 for 30 in the third T20I came at a critical juncture, applying pressure when India looked set for a comfortable chase. In just 11 WT20Is so far, Filer has taken 8 wickets, with a best of 2 for 17. Her pace, bounce, and ability to bowl in pressure situations mark her as a rising force in England’s bowling arsenal.
Smriti Mandhana
India’s vice-captain continues to shine with the bat, scoring a composed 56 off 49 balls in the previous encounter. The elegant left-hander recently crossed the landmark of 9000 international runs and remains a cornerstone of India’s top order. With 3942 runs from 145 WT20I innings and a career-best of 112, scored in the opening match of this very series, Mandhana’s consistency and ability to pace an innings make her a crucial figure in India’s chase for the series.
Deepti Sharma
India’s pick with the ball, Deepti once again showcased her value with figures of 3 for 27 in the third T20I. Known for her control and ability to strike in the middle overs, the all-rounder has now featured in 80 T20I innings with the ball, collecting 144 wickets. Her best figures of 4 for 10 underline her knack for breaking partnerships and turning games, making her crucial pick in tight situations.
Pitch:
Old Trafford in Manchester offers a balanced pitch that caters to both batters and bowlers. The surface generally provides reliable bounce and some early swing, making it a favorable track for seamers, especially during the initial overs. While it’s a medium-scoring ground, the pitch tends to slow down as the match progresses.
Weather:
The weather in Manchester is expected to be mild, with the temperature hovering around 22°C, a 25% chance of light rain, which could cause brief interruptions during play, and the humidity levels are moderate at 67%.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Smriti Mandhana, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Alice Capsey, Richa Ghosh, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sophia Dunkley, Arundhati Reddy
Match Details:
Date – July 9, 2025
Time – 11:00 PM IST
Venue – Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
