Wyatt stars as England wrap up series win over India

SCORECARD

A brilliant 89* by opener Danni Wyatt helped England to an eight-wicket win over India with eight balls remaining to wrap up the series victory.

Wyatt put on 112 with Player of the Series Nat Sciver for the second wicket, as England made relatively easy work of a chase of 154 to win the T20I leg of the tour 2-1 and seal a 10-6 series win overall.

India won the toss and opted to bat first in Chelmsford, but the innings got off to the worst possible start for the tourists as Katherine Brunt concluded her duel against Shafali Verma with a wicket in the first over.

The young opener fell for a second-ball duck, and Harleen Deol (6) followed just two overs later as India stuttered to 13/2.

But fellow opener Smriti Mandhana rescued the innings for her side, ably assisted by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s 36 from 26 deliveries.

England had little answer to Mandhana’s quality, as she stroked eight fours and two sixes in a classy 70 (from 51 balls) and by the time she was finally dismissed in the 17th over, it was clear that India would post a competitive total.

And some big hits late in proceedings from Richa Ghosh (20 off 13) helped India up to 153/6.

England got off to a solid start in their chase before Tammy Beaumont (11) fell to Deepti Sharma (1/29) with the score on 20, midway through the fourth over.

That brought Sciver to the crease and the all-rounder put on a match-defining partnership of 112 with opener Wyatt to put the hosts on the verge of victory when she fell for 42 from 36 deliveries.

Sciver’s wicket was the only other to fall, with Wyatt fittingly hitting the winning runs to finish on an unbeaten 89 from 56 balls.

And the opener’s stunning knock deservedly earned her the Player of the Match award.

A win for India would have seen them secure a draw across the multi-format series, but England’s victory saw them complete 2-1 wins in both the T20I and ODI legs following the draw in last month’s Test.

What they said:

Heather Knight (England captain):*“*It was brilliant to have that Test match, it gives you narrative throughout the series. We've not had it easy, we've learnt some stuff, and been in [Covid] restrictions too so pleased with how the girls have stuck at it. We are very close to where we want to be."

Harmanpreet Kaur (India captain):*"*We are very happy the supporters have come each game, but there's disappointment as 30-40 runs extra would have made a difference tonight. Someone has to take the responsibility, but we are working on that. We want our young players to take that responsibility."