The Indian women's side managed a stunning comeback to beat England in the second T20I on Sunday at Hove. Despite England looking poised for victory at 105/2 in the 14th over while chasing 149, a brilliant spell of bowling from India sparked a collapse, resulting in a tight 8-run win. This crucial result ensures the three-match series remains undecided.
Winning the toss and batting first, India started with high energy, highlighted by Shafali Verma's aggressive assault on Katherine Brunt, who conceded five boundaries in one over. The momentum shifted briefly as England removed the opening pair, but a reliable partnership of 40 runs between Deepti Sharma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur helped India post a solid score of 148/4 after 20 overs.
England's chase stumbled early when Arundhati bowled Danni Wyatt in the second over, and the pressure mounted further when Richa Ghosh ran out Natalie Sciver shortly after, leaving England at 31/2. The game swung back in England's favor thanks to a 75-run stand between Beaumont and captain Knight, but the tide turned again in the 14th over when Deepti Sharma dismissed Beaumont for 59.
As wickets began to fall frequently, England found themselves needing 24 runs off the final 18 deliveries. Maintaining their composure, Poonam and Sneh Rana bowled disciplined final overs to restrict England to 140/8. Deepti Sharma was named Player of the Match for her all-round contribution, scoring 24 vital runs and claiming the game-changing wicket of Beaumont.