The Indian women’s cricket team created history by claiming their first-ever T20I series victory against England on English soil, despite a loss in the final match. They clinched the five-match series 3-2, having secured an unassailable 3-1 lead with a dominant six-wicket win in the fourth T20I at Old Trafford. This historic win marks India’s first T20I series victory in England, evoking memories of their breakthrough ODI series triumph on English soil exactly 26 years ago, on July 9, 1999.
With the ICC Cricket World Cup set for later this year and the ICC T20 World Cup scheduled in England next year, India has checked several key boxes and will look to carry forward the positives into the upcoming multi-nation tournaments.
Here are three key takeaways for India after securing their maiden T20I series victory against England on English soil:
Improved Fielding Standards
Fielding has long been a concern for the Women in Blue, with cricket pundits frequently pointing to a lack of athleticism, particularly in ground fielding, as a persistent weakness. However, that seemed to be changed, especially in this series. Across the series against England, India displayed a noticeable boost in on-field confidence. Once criticised for subpar fielding and limited athleticism, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side appeared to have turned a corner.
Fielding coach Munish Bali said they conducted numerous drills focused on improving players’ speed to the ball, emphasising the need for athleticism. To support this, the team worked closely with a fitness trainer, an approach he believes is already paying dividends.
India not only took impressive catches but also improved their ground fielding, saving valuable runs and creating mounting pressure on the opposition that often resulted in wickets. The fourth match’s Player of the Match, Radha Yadav, also mentioned, “We spoke in the last meeting that we have to cut down the twos, and we actually did that today, and we were really pumped up to do that. Only the fielding part, I thought, changed the momentum.”
While the hosts were sloppy in the field, India remained agile and alert. This marked improvement in fielding was a key factor in the series outcome, helping the visitors secure a historic 3-2 victory.
Spin Bowling Dominance
England, known for its pace and swing-friendly conditions, was dominated in this series by India’s spin attack. With their senior pace bowlers unavailable, India took the field with four spinners. While Indian spinners have often been crucial to the team’s success, this time, in the absence of regular fast bowlers, they had to step up and prove their mettle. And they more than proved their mettle, playing a crucial role in securing the historic series victory.
Despite the presence of senior spinners like Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana, the standout bowler was Sree Charani, making her debut in the T20I series. The young left-arm spinner took 10 wickets across the five matches, including an impressive four-wicket haul in her very first game. The 20-year-old debutant was named Player of the Series for her outstanding performances throughout the five-match series.
The senior spinners also delivered strong performances. Deepti Sharma joined the 300 international wickets club and became the second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is during the series. Stepping up in the absence of fast bowlers, she even took the new ball and claimed key wickets. Sharma finished second in the series wicket tally with 9 scalps.
Senior left-arm spinner Radha Yadav reached the 100-wicket milestone, becoming only the second Indian across genders, after Deepti Sharma, to achieve 100 wickets in T20Is. Radha Yadav was the third-highest wicket-taker in the series with six wickets and emerged as the most economical bowler overall. Her match-winning figures of 2 for 15 at Old Trafford earned her the Player of the Match award.
With the top 3 wicket-takers in the series being Indian spinners, their dominance underscored the crucial role they played in securing the historic series victory for India.
Historic Breakthrough and World Cup Preparation
The series victory marked a historic milestone, as India had never previously won a T20I series against England in England. This success, particularly in English conditions, boosts confidence and provides valuable acclimatisation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team’s ability to execute plans under pressure, as highlighted by Harmanpreet Kaur, reflects a maturing side ready for bigger challenges.
The series offered India a chance to adapt to England’s unique playing conditions, including swing-friendly pitches, cooler weather, and variable wind factors, all of which are likely to be encountered during the 2026 T20 World Cup. This early exposure to World Cup-like conditions allows India to refine their game plans, such as reading pitch behaviour and managing swing, well in advance.
The series win highlighted India’s growing tactical acumen and ability to execute plans under pressure, a vital skill for high-stakes World Cup matches. Harmanpreet Kaur emphasised the team’s focus on “executing our plans and doing the right things,” which was evident in the entire series.
Defeating England, a formidable opponent and the 2026 World Cup host, in their home conditions is a massive psychological boost. This confidence is critical for the World Cup, where India will face stronger teams.
The series win provides a blueprint for India’s World Cup strategy. Their reliance on spin, coupled with improved fielding, aligns well with English conditions, where spin often plays a decisive role.
However, India can use this experience to fine-tune their approach, such as experimenting with batting orders or bowling combinations in future series. The Women’s Premier League and upcoming international fixtures offer opportunities to test bench strength and ensure backups for key players.
