With the five-match T20I series delicately poised at 2–1 in India’s favour, the fourth encounter between India Women and England Women at Old Trafford on Wednesday promises to be a crucial showdown. After dominant performances in the first two games, India were handed a narrow defeat in the third match, giving England a much-needed lifeline.
The visitors had begun the series in commanding fashion, with Smriti Mandhana’s record-setting T20I century and a clinical all-round performance from debutant Shree Charani helping them take a 2–0 lead. However, England hit back in the third T20I, with Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt putting up a decisive 129-run partnership to secure a five-run win and keep the series alive.
That result has not only lifted England’s morale but also added fresh energy to the contest. With the hosts now looking to draw level, the momentum has subtly shifted. India, on the other hand, will aim to shake off the setback and return to the consistency that defined their early performances.
The pitch at Old Trafford is expected to offer early assistance to seamers before settling into a true surface ideal for strokeplay. With overcast conditions likely, both teams may consider fielding first, especially with the ball expected to swing under the lights.
India will look to their top order—Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, to fire after an underwhelming show in the previous outing. The spin duo of Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma will be central to India’s defence against a resurgent English middle order.
England, buoyed by the form of Dunkley and Wyatt, will want their bowlers to build on the momentum. Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone remain key to keeping India’s big hitters in check.
A win for India would seal the series 3–1, while a home victory would set up a tantalising decider in the fifth T20I—a fitting climax to an evenly matched contest.
