Southampton, July 3, 2025 : The Indian women’s cricket team continued their stellar run as they clinched a commanding victory over England in the second T20 International of the ongoing series, taking a 2–0 lead in the three-match contest. The match, played at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, saw India deliver a complete team performance, outplaying the hosts in all departments to secure a comfortable win.

After winning the toss, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first under overcast conditions. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana gave the team a fiery start, stitching together a 68-run partnership in just seven overs. Verma was particularly aggressive, hitting four boundaries and two sixes in her 39 off 22 balls before falling to Sophie Ecclestone.

Mandhana held firm at one end, anchoring the innings with a composed 51 off 42 deliveries. Her knock was laced with elegant drives and well-timed sweeps. Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh provided the late-innings flourish, scoring quick-fire 20s that propelled India to a competitive total of 164 for 5 in 20 overs.

England’s bowling lacked the penetration needed to control the Indian batters. While Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn picked up wickets, they were unable to stem the flow of runs. Poor fielding, including dropped catches and misfields, added to England’s woes and allowed India to post their highest total of the series so far.

In response, England’s chase never gained momentum. The Indian bowling attack, led by Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, struck early blows. Renuka dismissed opener Danni Wyatt with a sharp in-swinger in the very first over, while Deepti’s clever variations accounted for Alice Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt in quick succession.

By the halfway mark, England were reeling at 58 for 4, needing over 10 runs per over with their key batters back in the pavilion. Captain Heather Knight fought back with a valiant 35, but lacked support from the other end. Leg-spinner Radha Yadav tightened the screws further, picking up 2 wickets for just 18 runs in her four overs.

Eventually, England were bowled out for 123 in 18.3 overs, handing India a comprehensive 41-run victory. Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her all-round performance contributing with both ball (3/21) and in the field with a brilliant catch.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s performance. “We executed our plans perfectly today. Everyone contributed, whether it was the batters setting the tone or the bowlers keeping the pressure on. It's satisfying to seal the series with one game to go.”

The third and final T20I will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester on July 6, where India will look to complete a clean sweep, while England will aim to salvage pride and gain momentum ahead of the ODI series.

This victory not only underscores India’s growing dominance in women’s cricket but also reflects their depth, discipline, and unity as a squad. With young stars and experienced heads working together seamlessly, the Indian women’s team is fast becoming a global force to reckon with.