England wins T20I series 2-1 after India’s flop batting show

BRISTOL: The India bowlers put up a valiant effort with a below-par total to defend, before teenager Alice Capsey held her nerve to guide England to a seven-wicket win in the third Women’s T20I and help clinch the series 2-1.

India put up an inept batting performance, scoring only 122 for eight, with wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh (33 off 22 balls, 5 fours) and Pooja Vastrakar (19 not out off 11 balls, 2 fours) providing a semblance of respectability to the total.

The India batters were unable to navigate through England’s spin bowling as the trio of Sophie Ecclestone (3/25), Sarah Glenn (2/11) and Bryony Smith (1/19) accounted for six wickets.

England achieved its target in 18.2 overs, courtesy opener Sophia Dunkley’s 49 off 44 deliveries (6 fours) and the 18-year-old Caspey’s unbeaten 38-run (24 balls, 6 fours) knock that took the host over the line.

Chasing 123, the home side was off to a brilliant start with openers Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt (22 off 23 balls) sharing a 70-run stand. But, India triggered a mini batting collapse by snaring three quick wickets in as many overs (10 to 13). Spinner Sneh Rana (1/32) provided the first breakthrough for the visitor as Wyatt miscued a shot.

Dunkley followed next as she was cleaned up with an excellent delivery from Pooja (1/16). Captain Amy Jones’s (3) stay in the middle was then cut short by Radha Yadav (1/14). But, Capsey, considered one of England’s brightest young talents, continued to bat aggressively and played shots all around the ground.

BRIEF SCORES: India Women 122/8 in 20 overs (Richa 33, Deepti 24, S Ecclestone 3/25, S Glenn 2/11) lost to England Women 126/3 in 18.2 overs (S Dunkley 49, A Capsey 38*)