In a thrilling final warm-up match ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, England Women edged past India Women by five runs in Cardiff on Wednesday. Despite a stunning counter-attacking knock of 68 off just 36 balls from wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, India fell short while chasing 172, being bowled out for 166 in 19.5 overs.
England's Innings
Opting to field first after winning the toss, India saw England post a competitive total of 171/6 in 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a crucial 70-run partnership between captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones. Sciver-Brunt scored a steady 57 off 45 balls, while Jones played a fluent knock of 64 off 45 deliveries. A late blitz from Danielle Gibson, who remained unbeaten on 30 off just 12 balls, provided the final impetus to England's innings. For India, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2/29.
India's Chase
Chasing 172, India's top order crumbled early. Smriti Mandhana (1) and Shafali Verma (13) departed cheaply, leaving India at 18/2 in 2.4 overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (17) also fell while trying to accelerate against England's disciplined spin attack. At 120/6 in the 16th over, India's hopes seemed all but dashed.
However, Richa Ghosh launched a breathtaking counter-attack. The young wicketkeeper smashed nine fours and two sixes in her 36-ball 68, turning the game on its head. Despite losing Shreyanka Patil and Kranti Gaud in the 18th over, Ghosh and Shree Charani took 21 runs off the penultimate over, reducing the equation to 17 runs needed from the final over.
The Dramatic Final Over
Linsey Smith was entrusted with the final over for England. Ghosh immediately took the attack to Smith, hitting the second ball for a boundary and the third for a six. With India needing just six runs off the last four balls, the momentum had swung firmly in India's favour. However, on the fourth ball, Ghosh advanced down the track but was deceived by Smith's flight and turn. Stand-in wicketkeeper Alice Capsey whipped off the bails, ending Ghosh's magnificent innings. The next ball saw Renuka Singh Thakur bowled, wrapping up India's innings at 166 in 19.5 overs.
Key Performances
- Richa Ghosh: 68 off 36 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes)
- Amy Jones: 64 off 45 balls
- Nat Sciver-Brunt: 57 off 45 balls
- Danielle Gibson: 30* off 12 balls and 2 wickets
- Linsey Smith: 3 wickets
- Shreyanka Patil: 2/29
Looking Ahead
Despite the narrow defeat, India will take heart from the fighting spirit shown by their lower order. They are set to begin their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at Edgbaston.
