England Women close Vitality IT20 series with last-ball thriller

England Women 168-5 beat India Women 167/7 by 5 wickets.

England Women secured a dramatic five-wicket win over India in the fifth and final Vitality IT20 at Edgbaston, finishing the series 2–3 in India’s favour.

Chasing 168 to win, England were led by a 101-run opening stand between Danni Wyatt-Hodge (56) and Sophia Dunkley (46).

Stand-in captain Tammy Beaumont added a valuable 30, supported by contributions from Amy Jones (10) and Maia Bouchier (16). With the scores level going into the final ball, Sophie Ecclestone (4) struck the winning run to avoid a Super Over decider.

India posted 167, thanks largely to Shafali Verma’s quickfire 75 from 41 balls. Charlie Dean was the pick of England’s bowlers and Player of the Match. Dean took three wickets for just 23 runs, including Verma—thanks to a brilliant catch on the boundary from Bouchier. Em Arlott (1-42) and Linsey Smith (1-26) also claimed important early wickets, putting India under pressure from the get go.

India had already secured the series with a win in the fourth IT20 at Emirates Old Trafford earlier this week. Both teams now turn their attention to the three-match Metro Bank ODI series, starting Wednesday, July 16 at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton.

Please find Player of the Match, Charlie Dean's post match press conference HERE.

England Women v India Women - Vitality IT20 series

Saturday June 28: 1st Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Trent Bridge - India Women won by 97 runs.
Tuesday July 1: 2nd Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Seat Unique Stadium - India Women won by 24 runs.
Friday July 4: 3rd Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Kia Oval - England Women won by five runs.
Wednesday July 9: 4th Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Emirates Old Trafford - India Women won by 6 wickets.
Saturday July 12: 5th Vitality IT20, England Women v India Women, Edgbaston - England Women won by 5 wickets.