Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s half-century in her 300th England match set up a thrilling last-ball win over India in the fifth T20I at Edgbaston. England bravely chased 168, the biggest home run chase in women’s T20Is, despite India winning the series 3-2.
Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley’s 101-run opening partnership helped England reach the target. Wyatt-Hodge scored her half-century off 30 balls with a booming knock through deep midwicket.
After the openers fell, England needed six runs off the penultimate over, making the chase precarious.
Arundhati Reddy struck twice in the first three balls of the last over, increasing pressure. England needed three balls for five runs. Sophie Ecclestone held her cool, slashing the ball through backward point and running three to reduce the final delivery to one run. England won a thrilling last-ball match as Ecclestone pushed the ball to mid-on, where Mandhana missed the stumps.
India reached 167 for 7 thanks to opener Shafali Verma’s 75 off 41 balls. Her knock helped India recover from 19 for 2 in the third over and set a competitive goal despite little support from the rest of the batting order.
England’s best bowlers were Charlie Dean (3 for 23) and Sophie Ecclestone (2 for 28). Before the ODI series, England rested seamers Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer and brought back Em Arlott and Linsey Smith to strengthen their assault. Wyatt-Hodge’s 66 at The Oval helped England’s other series triumph.
Both teams prepare for the three-match ODI series at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, on July 16.
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