India Women vs England Women Cricket 2025: A Historic T20I and ODI Series Triumph

 

Significance of the Event

The India Women’s cricket team’s tour of England in June and July 2025 marked a watershed moment in women’s cricket, as they clinched their first-ever bilateral T20I series victory against England with a 3-2 scoreline, followed by a competitive ODI series. This tour, held ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026, showcased India’s growing prowess in international cricket, with standout performances from players like Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Shree Charani. The series not only highlighted India’s depth and resilience but also served as a critical preparation for the upcoming World Cup, boosting team morale and fan enthusiasm. The emotional and strategic significance of this victory lies in breaking England’s historical dominance in T20Is, with India overcoming a 22-8 head-to-head record to script history on English soil.

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Introduction

In the summer of 2025, the India Women’s cricket team embarked on a thrilling tour of England, captivating fans with their skill, determination, and historic achievements. The tour, comprising five T20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs), saw India achieve a landmark 3-2 T20I series win—their first against England in a multi-game bilateral series. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, the team showcased exceptional talent, with young stars and seasoned players combining to outshine a formidable England side. From Mandhana’s record-breaking T20I century to Deepti Sharma’s spin wizardry, the series was a testament to India’s growing stature in women’s cricket. This blog post celebrates the key moments, standout performances, and the legacy of this tour, offering readers an in-depth look at a series that inspired millions.

1. The Build-Up to the 2025 Tour

The India Women’s team arrived in England in June 2025, riding high on confidence after a successful Women’s Premier League (WPL) season and a tri-series victory against Sri Lanka and South Africa earlier in the year. The tour was strategically planned to help India acclimatize to English conditions ahead of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, to be hosted in England. The team underwent a rigorous 25-day training camp in Bengaluru, focusing on fitness, fielding, and tactical adaptability.

The England Women’s team, ranked second in the ICC T20I rankings, were formidable opponents, boasting players like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Tammy Beaumont. With a historical edge in T20Is (22 wins in 30 matches against India), England posed a significant challenge. However, India’s recent form, bolstered by emerging talents like Shree Charani and Pratika Rawal, set the stage for an intensely competitive series.

2. The T20I Series: A Historic Triumph

The five-match T20I series, played across iconic venues like Trent Bridge, Bristol, The Oval, Old Trafford, and Edgbaston, was a rollercoaster of emotions and record-breaking performances.

First T20I: Mandhana’s Maiden Century

The series opener at Trent Bridge on June 28, 2025, set the tone with India posting a mammoth 210/5, their second-highest T20I total. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, filling in for an injured Harmanpreet Kaur, smashed a maiden T20I century (112 off 62 balls), including three sixes and 15 fours. Her partnership with Harleen Deol (43 off 23) and Shafali Verma laid a solid foundation. Debutant Shree Charani’s four-wicket haul, including the scalps of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell, restricted England to 113, handing India a record 97-run victory—the heaviest T20I defeat for England.

Second T20I: Rodrigues and Kaur Shine

At Bristol on July 1, India elected to bat and posted 181/4, thanks to half-centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues (63 off 40) and Amanjot Kaur (63* off 40). Despite early losses, including Shafali Verma (3) and Mandhana (13), the duo’s aggressive batting turned the tide. England’s chase faltered at 157/7, with Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur striking crucial blows. India’s 24-run win gave them a 2-0 lead, putting them on the cusp of history.

Third T20I: England Fight Back

The third T20I at The Oval on July 4 was a thriller. England, batting first, posted 171/9, powered by Sophia Dunkley (75) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (66). Deepti Sharma (3/27) and Arundhati Reddy (three catches) kept India in the game. Chasing 172, India fell five runs short at 166/5, despite Mandhana’s 56. Lauren Bell’s tight final over, dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur on the last ball, gave England a lifeline, making the series 2-1.

Fourth T20I: Sealing the Series

On July 9 at Old Trafford, India’s spinners—Radha Yadav (2/15), Shree Charani (2/30), and Deepti Sharma (1/29)—restricted England to 126/7. Shafali Verma (32) and Mandhana (31) set up a comfortable chase, with India reaching the target with 18 balls to spare, securing a six-wicket win and an unassailable 3-1 lead. This victory marked India’s first-ever T20I series win against England, a historic milestone.

Fifth T20I: England’s Consolation Win

The final T20I at Edgbaston on July 12 saw England edge out India by five wickets in a tense finish. India posted 167/7, with Shafali Verma’s 75 leading the charge. England’s chase, powered by Wyatt-Hodge (56) and Beaumont, went down to the wire, with Sophie Ecclestone and Paige Scholfield sealing the win off the final ball. Despite the loss, India’s 3-2 series triumph was a moment of pride.

3. The ODI Series: Building Momentum

Following the T20I triumph, India carried their momentum into the three-match ODI series, starting July 16 in Southampton. The series was crucial for fine-tuning their 50-over game ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka later in 2025.

First ODI: Deepti’s All-Round Brilliance

In the first ODI, India chased down a target with a four-wicket victory, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 62 at No. 6. Despite early wobbles, her composure under pressure and Pratika Rawal’s contribution ensured India’s fourth consecutive ODI win in England. However, Rawal faced a 10% fine and a demerit point for avoidable contact with England players, highlighting the series’ intensity.

Second ODI: Rain-Affected Thriller

The second ODI on July 19 at Lord’s was reduced to 29 overs per side due to rain. England opted to field, and India posted a competitive total, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur stabilizing the innings. England’s revised target of 115 in 24 overs proved challenging, and India’s bowlers, led by Sneh Rana and Shree Charani, secured a crucial win, strengthening India’s series position.

Third ODI: Competitive Finale

While specific details of the third ODI are less documented, India’s focus on aggressive batting and disciplined bowling continued to challenge England. The series served as a vital platform for India to test their bench strength, with players like Kranti Goud and Sayali Satghare gaining valuable exposure.

4. Standout Performers

Smriti Mandhana

Mandhana’s T20I century in the opener was a game-changer, earning her the distinction of being the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats. Her 9,000 international runs and record-breaking partnerships with Shafali Verma (2,724 runs in T20Is) underscored her consistency.

Deepti Sharma

Deepti’s all-round brilliance was pivotal. She became the joint-second highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is (144 wickets) and took her 300th international wicket during the tour. Her match-winning 62* in the first ODI showcased her finishing skills.

Shree Charani

The 20-year-old left-arm spinner emerged as a star, taking 10 wickets in the T20I series, including a four-wicket haul on debut. Her ability to deceive batters like Dunkley and Ecclestone marked her as a future cornerstone.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur

Rodrigues’ 63 in the second T20I and Kaur’s unbeaten 63 were crucial in stabilizing India’s batting. Kaur’s all-round contribution, including key wickets, added depth to the squad.

5. Challenges and Controversies

The tour wasn’t without challenges. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt missed the latter T20Is due to a groin injury, weakening their lineup. India faced selection dilemmas, with players like Renuka Singh and Shreyanka Patil absent due to injuries. Pratika Rawal’s fine for on-field conduct sparked discussions about maintaining discipline in high-stakes matches. Despite these hurdles, India’s ability to adapt and execute their plans was commendable.

6. Impact and Legacy

India’s T20I series win was a historic breakthrough, ending a run of six consecutive multi-game T20I series losses to England. The victory boosted India’s confidence ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup and highlighted their depth, with young players stepping up alongside veterans. The ODI series further solidified India’s reputation as a formidable 50-over side, crucial for their World Cup preparations. For fans, the tour was a celebration of women’s cricket, showcasing thrilling matches and inspiring performances.

7. Looking Ahead

The 2025 tour has set the stage for India’s campaign at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup. With a balanced squad, strong leadership, and emerging talents, India are poised to challenge for their maiden ICC trophy. The tour also underscored the importance of acclimatizing to English conditions, a factor that will be critical in 2026.

FAQs

Q1: What was the outcome of the India Women vs England Women T20I series in 2025?
India won the five-match T20I series 3-2, marking their first-ever bilateral T20I series victory against England.

Q2: Who were the standout performers for India in the T20I series?
Smriti Mandhana (maiden T20I century), Deepti Sharma (144 T20I wickets), and Shree Charani (10 wickets) were key performers.

Q3: What was the significance of the ODI series?
The ODI series helped India fine-tune their 50-over game ahead of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, with a notable four-wicket win in the first match.

Q4: Why was Pratika Rawal fined during the ODI series?
Pratika Rawal was fined 10% of her match fee and received a demerit point for avoidable contact with England players during the first ODI.

Q5: How did India prepare for the 2025 England tour?
India underwent a 25-day training camp in Bengaluru, focusing on fitness, fielding, and tactical adaptability.

Q6: What is the historical context of India vs England in T20Is?
Before 2025, England led the T20I head-to-head 22-8. India’s 3-2 series win was their first multi-game T20I series victory against England.