England Women claimed an easy eight-wicket win over India Women in the third T20 International at Chelmsford to wrap up the series 2-1. Opener Danni Wyatt smashed an unbeaten 89 off only 56 balls to overshadow a classy 70 by Smriti Mandhana.
The Indian women’s team, led by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur, have now lost four consecutive white-ball series, including two at home against South Africa, after losing the three-match WODI series by the same margin. With the series tied at 1-1, Indian vice-captain Mandhana was at her graceful best with a 51-ball innings that included eight fours and two sixes.
She smoothly pulled the pacers, played some exquisite lofted inside-out shots off-spinners, and added 68 runs with skipper Harmanpreet (36 off 26 balls), who appeared to be in good form. Richa Ghosh’s 13-ball-20, which moved the total above 150 runs, included four boundaries.
While India had defended 148 in the previous game, Wyatt took the Indian spinners to task, slamming 12 boundaries and a six. Nat Sciver, the ICC’s No. 1 all-rounder, chipped in with 42 off 36 balls after bowling efficiently to take 1 for 16 in four overs.
Wyatt, on the other hand, blasted an out-of-form Radha Yadav (0/37 in 4 overs) and Poonam Yadav (0/32 in 4 overs). Wyatt came out of the crease to counter Poonam’s loopy slow deliveries and smashed her all over the field. In 18.4 overs, the chase became a cakewalk.
The women’s squad has suffered a major blow following their home series defeat by South Africa, which is scheduled to compete in the 50-over World Cup in New Zealand early next year. They will fly to Australia next, where they will play their first day-night Test.
