Alice Capsey played a dazzling innings to inspire England to the highest successful run chase in women’s T20 history on English soil, securing a series victory over India at Taunton.
Capsey dominated the chase with a stunning 82 runs off just 42 balls, smashing nine boundaries and three sixes. Her relentless assault, supported by Heather Knight’s composed 70 off 42 balls, propelled England to a six-wicket win with nine balls to spare.
The pair’s partnership of 137 runs was crucial, especially after England found themselves struggling early at 38 for three wickets down. Knight’s calm and aggressive stroke play complemented Capsey’s extravagance, steadily dismantling the Indian bowling attack.
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On the Indian side, captain Harmanpreet Kaur led a robust middle-order effort, scoring 56 runs from 40 balls, including seven fours. Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma also contributed valuable runs, setting a challenging total of 179.
England’s bowlers struck early, with Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean removing the Indian openers quickly. However, the middle order recovery and a late fielding lapse — Sophie Ecclestone narrowly missing a simple run-out — kept India’s total within reach.
Despite early wickets falling to the Indian bowlers Kranti Gaud and others, Capsey and Knight’s boundary blitz helped England chase down the demanding target, providing a huge confidence boost ahead of their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on June 12.
Lauren Bell was the standout bowler for England with figures of 2 for 36, while Ecclestone also effected a key run-out.
This thrilling victory marks a landmark moment in England women’s cricket, showcasing depth and resilience in a high-pressure chase and setting the tone for their upcoming World Cup campaign.