India has secured a hard-fought victory over England in the final match of the three-game ODI series, taking home the series with a scoreline of 2-1. The last game took place at the Banks Homes Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street on July 22, 2025. India emerged victorious by 13 runs, demonstrating their cricket prowess as they chased down a daunting total set by their opponents.
In this decisive match, India posted an impressive score of 318 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs. The standout performer for India was captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored an elegant century, amassing 102 runs off 84 deliveries. She was well supported by her partner Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed a solid 50 runs off 45 balls. This significant partnership contributed to India’s ability to set a challenging target.
On the other hand, England’s batting performance fell short despite having some moments of brilliance. Chasing after India’s total proved to be a major challenge, especially when they found themselves struggling at 8 for 2 within the first few overs, with seam bowler Kranti Goud claiming the crucial wickets of openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones. The struggle was palpable as England attempted to recover from this dismal start.
England’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, attempting to lead her team back into contention, formed a notable partnership with Emma Lamb, adding a remarkable 162 runs for the third wicket. Lamb scored a commendable 68, but Sciver-Brunt fell just short of her century, getting dismissed for 98 runs while trying to push the pace.
Despite flashes of hope, England’s batting order could not gather momentum after Sciver-Brunt’s wicket. Key contributions from players like Sophia Dunkley, Alice Davidson-Richards, and Charlie Dean were not enough to steer the host to victory. Ultimately, England was bowled out for 305 runs in 49.5 overs. Goud’s outstanding bowling performance, which included taking 6 wickets for 52 runs, was the highlight of India’s bowling attack, making her debut five-wicket haul especially significant.
England’s early fielding errors allowed India to gain a stronghold on the game. They leaked runs during critical moments, exhibiting a lack of composure in the field that proved costly. While spinner Sophie Ecclestone managed to maintain some control in her spells, the overall effectiveness of the bowling unit was lacking, with all but one bowler conceding over six runs per over.
In contrast, India’s fielding was notably sharp, highlighted by several remarkable catches and movements within the field that turned the tide in their favor. Deepti Sharma’s dynamic one-handed catch to dismiss Jones solidified her influence in the field, contributing not only to her team’s impressive defensive effort but also to the mounting pressure on England’s batting lineup.
Though England managed to score their highest runs during a chase in ODIs, the margin of defeat was concerning. They came away from this crucial match with much to ponder as they head toward the upcoming World Cup in India. Both teams will move forward from this series, but it is evident that significant improvements are needed for England, especially in their fielding and bowling strategies, to compete at the highest levels effectively.
In summary, India’s consistent batting, combined with impressive bowling and fielding, led to a well-deserved series victory over England. The challenges England faced in this final match reveal areas of concern for the team as they gear up for future competitions on the international stage.
