Manchester, July 10 (H.S.): The Indian women’s cricket team secured a 3-1 lead in the five-match T20 series against England by winning the fourth match at Old Trafford, Manchester, by six wickets. This victory marked India’s first T20 bilateral series win against England on any ground. Chasing a target of 127 runs, openers Smriti Mandhana (31 off 32 balls) and Shafali Verma (31 off 19 balls) built a solid 56-run partnership before Shafali was dismissed, followed by Smriti’s departure.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (26 off 25 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues (24 not out off 22 balls) then formed a crucial 48-run partnership, leading the team to victory with three overs to spare. England won the toss for the fourth time and decided to bat, but struggled early on.

Opener Sophia Dunkley (22 off 19 balls) and Danny Wyatt-Hodge (5 off 7 balls) fell during the powerplay, and despite attempts by Alice Capsey (18 off 21 balls) and Tammy Beaumont (20 off 19 balls) to stabilize, wickets fell regularly. The Indian spinners excelled, with Radha Yadav taking two wickets for 15 runs. England managed only 126 runs, insufficient to defend, ensuring India’s series win before the final match.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar