The Indian women’s cricket team has etched their name into the record books, securing a historic double series win on English soil for the first time. After a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the five-match T20I series, the Women in Blue went on to claim the three-match ODI series 2-1, defeating England by 13 runs in a nail-biting finale at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street.
In the final ODI held on Tuesday, India won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave the team a solid start, laying the foundation for a massive total. Mandhana played a classy knock of 87 runs, while Verma added a quick-fire 44. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur rose to the occasion with a commanding 65, and Richa Ghosh finished strong with an unbeaten 52 off 29 balls. India posted a challenging 318/5 in their allotted 50 overs — their highest-ever total against England in women’s ODIs.
England, in reply, showed great fighting spirit. Danielle Wyatt led the chase with a stunning 104 off 89 deliveries. She was well supported by Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey, but the Indian bowlers held their nerve. Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh took crucial wickets at the death. England was bowled out for 305 in 49.5 overs, handing India a memorable 13-run win.
This historic win marks the first time in women’s cricket history that India has clinched both a T20I and ODI series on English soil in the same tour. It is a significant achievement that underscores the rising dominance of Indian women’s cricket on the international stage.
Harmanpreet Kaur, speaking after the match, praised the team’s resilience and unity. “This win means a lot. To come here and beat England in both formats is a proud moment for us. Every player gave their 100%, and it showed in the results,” she said.
Former India captain Mithali Raj congratulated the team on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “a watershed moment for Indian women’s cricket.”
This victory also boosts India’s ICC Women’s Championship points, improving their chances for qualification in the 2026 Women’s World Cup. The tour has been a showcase of India’s bench strength, young talent, and tactical maturity.
The Indian women’s team now heads home with heads held high and a message to the cricketing world — they’re no longer the underdogs but champions ready to take on the world.
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