England defeated India by five runs in the final warm-up match ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday. Chasing a target of 172, India were bowled out for 166 in 19.5 overs despite a rapid half-century from Richa Ghosh.
After being sent in to bat, England made a balanced start to their innings. Opener Amy Jones scored 64 runs from 45 balls, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt added 57 from 45 deliveries to put the side in a b position.
The pair shared a 70-run partnership that provided England with a solid platform. Although the Indian bowlers controlled the scoring rate during the middle overs, Danielle Gibson’s late acceleration changed the course of the innings. Gibson remained unbeaten on 30 off 12 balls, including 19 runs against Renuka Singh in the final over, helping England reach 171 for 6.
For India, Shreyanka Patil claimed two wickets, while Renuka Singh, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav and Shafali Verma took one wicket each.
India’s chase began poorly as the top order failed to establish momentum. Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for 1, while Shafali Verma scored 13 before departing. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 17, but the middle order was unable to build substantial partnerships.
With wickets falling regularly, India were reduced to 132 for 7 in 17.3 overs.
The match took a dramatic turn when Richa Ghosh launched a counterattack that brought India close to the target. She scored 68 runs from 36 balls and kept the chase alive until the closing stages.
India required six runs from the final three deliveries when Ghosh was stumped. On the following ball, Renuka Singh was dismissed, ending India’s innings on 166.
England left-arm spinner Linsey Smith delivered 3 wickets for 42 runs and picked up key breakthroughs during crucial phases of the chase. Charlie Dean and Tilly Corteen-Coleman also claimed two wickets each.
