Chester-le-Street, July 22, 2025 – India’s women’s cricket team clinched the three-match ODI series against England, winning 2-1 after a closely fought final at Riverside Ground. The series deciding match saw India defend a strong total and hold their nerves in a tight finish, marking a significant achievement on English soil.
Final Match Summary (3rd ODI)
| Team | Runs/Wickets | Overs | Top Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 318/5 | 50 | Harmanpreet Kaur 102, Jemimah Rodrigues 50, Smriti Mandhana 45, Harleen Deol 45 |
| England Women | 305 all out | 49.5 | Natalie Sciver-Brunt 98, Emma Lamb 68, Alice Davidson-Richards 44 |
India batted first and put up a strong total of 318 for 5. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led with a brilliant 102 runs off 84 balls, her seventh ODI century. Jemimah Rodrigues supported well with 50 runs, while Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol each scored valuable 45s. Richa Ghosh added a quick 38 runs toward the end, helping boost the total.
England’s chase was competitive but fell short by 13 runs. After losing early wickets, Natalie Sciver-Brunt batted brilliantly with 98 runs. Emma Lamb also played well, making 68 runs. Alice Davidson-Richards provided some late resistance with 44 runs, but couldn’t prevent the loss.
Key Bowling Performances
- Kranti Gaud (India): 6 wickets for 52 runs
- Shree Charani (India): Important wickets in middle overs
- Deepti Sharma (India): Took key breakthroughs late in the innings
Kranti Gaud’s 6-wicket haul was decisive, turning the match in India’s favor. Alongside support from Charani and Deepti Sharma, India managed to break partnerships and restrict England just short of the target.
Series Overview
| ODI Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Southampton | India won |
| 2nd ODI | Lord’s (rain-short) | England won |
| 3rd ODI | Chester-le-Street | India won by 13 runs |
The series showed close competition, with India taking the opener, England bouncing back in a rain-affected second match, and the final game being a nail-biter.
Impact and Future Outlook
This series win is a big boost for Indian women’s cricket as they prepare for upcoming international challenges. The performance highlights players stepping up under pressure and the team’s fighting spirit. England will look to regroup as they prepare for future matches.
Fans and cricket experts praised the quality and competitiveness of the series, emphasizing the growth of women’s cricket. The victory not only brings pride but also builds confidence ahead of bigger tournaments.
