TAUNTON, June 3 (HS): Powered by superb innings from Alice Capsey and Heather Knight, England Women defeated India Women by six wickets in the third and final T20 International late on Tuesday night (Wednesday IST) to seal the three-match series 2-1. Chasing a target of 181, England recovered brilliantly after early setbacks and reached the target in 18.3 overs.

England made a poor start to the chase. Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed in just the second over, while Sophia Dunkley also departed early. The wicket of Amy Jones in the final over of the powerplay left England under considerable pressure.

However, Alice Capsey then turned the game in England’s favour with an aggressive counterattack. She took on the Indian bowlers from the outset and brought up her half-century in just 26 deliveries. At the other end, captain Heather Knight anchored the innings with composure, gradually increasing the scoring rate.

The century partnership between Capsey and Knight effectively ended India's hopes of a comeback. Capsey played a magnificent knock of 82 runs, while Knight remained unbeaten on 70. Knight eventually sealed the victory for England with a boundary.

Earlier, India posted 180 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The visitors also endured a shaky start, losing both openers cheaply.

Yastika Bhatia then injected momentum into the innings with an attacking approach during the powerplay. She played several attractive strokes but was eventually run out after a promising start.

In the middle order, captain Harmanpreet Kaur assumed responsibility and remained unbeaten on 56. However, India managed only 48 runs in the final five overs, a factor that ultimately proved decisive.

For England, Lauren Bell was the pick of the bowlers with two crucial wickets.

Brief Scores:

India Women: 180/5 in 20 overs

Harmanpreet Kaur 56*; Yastika Bhatia 32

Lauren Bell 2/36

England Women: 184/4 in 18.3 overs

Alice Capsey 82; Heather Knight 70*

Arundhati Reddy 2/31

Result: England Women won by six wickets and clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar