Alice Capsey and Heather Knight played pivotal roles as England secured a six-wicket victory over India in the T20 series decider on Tuesday evening at Taunton. Chasing a target of 181, England reached the goal with nine balls to spare, thanks to a stunning 137-run partnership off 76 balls between Capsey and Knight.
This was England's highest successful T20I run chase in eight years, and it came at an ideal time, just 10 days before their World Cup opener against Sri Lanka on June 12. The team deliberately chose to bowl first to gain experience batting under lights, as all five of their World Cup group-stage matches are scheduled for evening play.
The hosts began their chase shakily, falling to 38 for three in the first six overs, including Amy Jones being caught at midwicket. However, Capsey and Knight turned the game around, much to the delight of the 6,000-strong crowd. Capsey smashed 82 off 43 balls, her highest international score, while Knight, 14 years her senior, scored a 31-ball half-century, her fastest in international cricket, responding to recent criticism of her strike rate.
Capsey was dismissed while attempting a ramp shot with six runs still needed, but Knight finished the match with a boundary backward of square. Earlier, India posted 180 for five, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur scoring an unbeaten 56. She shared key partnerships with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma.
Lauren Bell's slower ball proved effective, dismissing Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma. England's fielding was generally strong, highlighted by Sophie Ecclestone's direct hit to run out Yastika Bhatia. However, Ecclestone made an error on the final ball, fumbling a run-out chance that allowed an overthrow.
Harmanpreet Kaur impressed with her powerful hitting, while Yastika Bhatia, recovering from ACL surgery, scored 32 but appeared cautious. Thunderstorms threatened the match but the weather held, allowing a fitting conclusion to the series. England will now prepare for warm-up matches, starting against Australia in Cardiff.
