Freya Kemp delivered a decisive two-way display as England beat India by 26 runs in the second Women’s T20I at Bristol on Saturday, bringing the three-match series level at 1-1. Kemp struck an unbeaten 39 off just 13 balls to lift England late in their innings, then backed it up with figures of 2/15 as India were restricted to 142/9 in their chase of 169.
England’s late surge sets the target
After India had kept the hosts under control through the middle overs, the contest shifted in England’s favour at the death. England added 39 runs in the final two overs of the innings, including 24 coming in the last over bowled by Arundhati Reddy.
- Kemp finished on 39 not out from 13 deliveries, striking two sixes and two fours.
- England closed on 168/5, with the late momentum proving crucial.
- Earlier in the innings, India’s bowling had been particularly effective through the middle overs.
India’s bowling impact and England’s key turnaround
India had looked in command for the majority of England’s innings, with left-arm spinner Shree Charani continuing her strong start to international cricket by taking 3/25. However, England’s finishing burst changed the complexion of the match, leaving the visitors with a difficult chase from the start.
India’s chase: control early, pressure later
India made a positive start in pursuit of 169 through openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. Shafali struck 22 off 14 balls while Mandhana produced 32 off 25, ensuring India stayed close to the required rate.
- India were 78/2 after 10 overs even after losing the initial wicket(s).
- The middle phase is where England tightened the screws with spin.
Middle overs swing the game
The match turned during the middle overs as England’s spinners Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone slowed the scoring. Boundaries became harder to come by, and the required run rate kept climbing as India struggled to accelerate.
- Yastika Bhatia, dropped by Dean on 29, failed to lift the scoring pace and ended up retired out.
- Bhatia made 33 off 36 balls as India searched for quicker runs.
- Dean delivered a sequence of economical overs, while Ecclestone kept control from the other end.
Harmanpreet’s effort and England’s final strikes
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur tried to keep the chase alive, scoring 28 off 22 balls. During her innings, she became only the third batter in Women’s T20Is to reach 4,000 runs, joining Suzie Bates and Smriti Mandhana on the milestone list.
Despite Harmanpreet’s push, England continued to take wickets at key moments. Kemp removed Jemimah soon after she arrived, and Dean dealt another major blow by dismissing Richa Ghosh (8) and Harmanpreet within four balls. Harmanpreet edged Dean behind while attempting to attack outside off, and that dismissal left India needing too much from an increasingly stretched situation.
- Kemp took out Jemimah soon after her arrival.
- Dean dismissed Richa Ghosh (8) and Harmanpreet within four balls.
- India could not recover as the required rate climbed and wickets continued to fall.
Series situation: decisive third match in Taunton
With England sealing the win and leveling the series, the contest will now be decided in the third and final Women’s T20I in Taunton on Tuesday.
