England Women achieved a close five-run win against India in their last warm-up game, England vs India, before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, held in Cardiff on June 10.
Despite a strong 68-run performance from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, India could not meet the target, finishing at 166 all out in 19.5 overs.
In pursuit of 172, England was boosted by Amy Jones, who scored 64, and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who made 57 off 45 balls. Danielle Gibson contributed a quick, unbeaten 30 off 12 balls, helping England reach 171 for six in their 20 overs.
India’s bowling was spearheaded by Linsey Smith, who took three wickets, while Charlotte Dean, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, and Danielle Gibson each took two wickets.
India faced early challenges with Smriti Mandhana (1) and Shafali Verma (13) out within the first 2.4 overs, leaving them at 18 for two.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 17 before falling to England’s effective spin attack, which hindered India’s innings recovery. At 120 for six in the 16th over, a win seemed out of reach.
Richa Ghosh mounted a fierce counterattack, hitting nine fours and two sixes in her 36-ball 68. Alongside Shree Charani, she added 21 runs in the second-to-last over, cutting the requirement to 17 runs off the final over.
During the England vs India warm-up, Ghosh hit a boundary and a six early in the last over, with India needing just six runs from four balls, shifting the momentum in their favor.
However, on the fourth ball, she was run out by stand-in keeper Alice Capsey after being misled by Smith’s flight and turn. The next ball saw Renuka Singh Thakur dismissed, concluding India’s innings and securing the win for England.
India will now face Pakistan in their T20 World Cup 2026 opening match at Edgbaston on Sunday.
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