England Women Edge India by 5 Runs in Thrilling 3rd T20I as Dunkley and Filer Shine

England Hold Their Nerve in a Tense Third T20I

Sometimes, cricket dishes out a script so tight it rattles your heartbeat. That was the story in London where England Women scraped past India Women by just 5 runs in the third T20I, keeping the series up for grabs. It’s easy to lose track of the finer details in a match packed with wild swings, big hits, and genuine drama, but a few names stood out—Sophia Dunkley and Lauren Filer the most prominent among them.

England went into this must-win game trailing 2-0, with every ball taking on huge meaning. Sophia Dunkley handled the pressure brilliantly, anchoring from the top and hitting an unbeaten 56. It wasn’t just the runs—her timing and calm lifted England to a competitive 166 for 5. One moment that lit up the ground: Dunkley launching a six that fizzed along the carpet, giving the crowd something to shout about.

For India, Smriti Mandhana matched Dunkley run for run. Mandhana, known for her effortless timing, led the response with a steady 56 herself. At several points, it looked like India would ease past the target. But then, as cricket often does, things shifted rapidly.

Lauren Filer’s Breakthrough and Final Over Nerves

The turning point came when Lauren Filer got the breakthrough wickets, slicing through India’s batting just as partnerships threatened to run away. Her control in the death overs changed the mood; on a night where even singles became pulses, every run mattered. In the field, Deepthi Sharma's flying catch nearly changed everything again—it was one of those athletic efforts you replay in your mind, even after the game ends.

The last over could have tipped either way. England’s bowlers guarded the boundary with fierce intent while India, requiring a handful of runs, couldn’t quite find the final spark. Players and fans were on edge until the final ball was bowled.

This result keeps the series window open. Instead of a dead rubber, the final match is now a decider, promising even more intensity. The England Women have closed the gap to 2-1, reminding everyone that you write off a champion side at your peril.