Hove: After a disappointing defeat in the first game, India women bounced back beating England by eight runs at the County Ground in Hove on Sunday. Chasing 149, the hosts were at one stage cruising at 106/2 before the catastrophe started.
England lost six wickets for 31 runs in the space of 5.4 overs which ultimately let them down despite having the grip on the majority of the game as India made a stunning comeback leveling the series.
Earlier, India put up 148/4 largely thanks to Shafali Verma at the top who scored a rather contrasting 38-ball 48 but was pivotal in setting up a good base. She alongside Smriti Madhana (20) added 70 runs for the opening stand.
That is it! #TeamIndia pull it back and win the 2nd T20I against England by 8 runs to level the series 1-1. 🎇 #ENGvIND https://t.co/A5JidVJbAP… pic.twitter.com/YReBjMFyGp
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) July 11, 2021
However, India lost crucial wickets midway through the innings slowing up the pace as the English bowlers made a comeback later on. Natalie Sciver (1/20) was once again to watch out for alongside Mady Villiers (1/9). Skipper Harmapreet Kaur (31) and Deepti Sharma (24) also added valuable runs although at a lot slender rate to give the visitors something to fight.
In reply, England, despite losing two quick wickets at the top were going steadily with Tammy Beaumont (59) and Heather Knight (30) putting together 75 runs for the third wicket. However, after their dismissals in the same over, the innings began to crumble.
Poonam Yadav (2/17) led the comeback for the visitors with a supportive Sharma (1/30). From 106/2, England went to 137/8 and despite dragging the game to the wire. The hosts were stuck at 140/8 at the end as India had just enough runs on board to secure a victory.
