The Final face-off is here. With the ODI series locked at 1-1, the third and final match between India women and England women at Chester-le-Street is no less than a mini final. And for team India, it’s not just about winning It is about bouncing back with belief.
After a commanding win in the first ODI, experiments were high. Deepti Sharma’s all-round show, Smriti Mandhana’s steady knock, and a spirited bowling effort had set the tone. But Lord flipped the script. In rain rain-curtailed second ODI, India’s batters fell prey to England’s Spin trio Sophie Ecclestone, Em Arlott, and Linsey Smith. Poor shot selection, coupled with the inability to adjust to testing English conditions, led to a disappointing 143/ 8 in 29 overs. England chased that down like a warm-up drill.
The Turing point
The second ODI wasn’t just a defeat; it was a wake-up call. From looking like favourites to being on the back foot, India now enter the third ODI with a point to prove. The middle order, barring Deepti and Smriti, was shaky. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harleen Deol need to fire. Pratika Rawal and Richa Ghosh must bring stability and power. If India clinch this series, someone from this group needs to step in with a match-defining knock.
Bowling Blues
Women in blue’s bowling too lacked bite at Lord’s. While the first match saw disciplined spells and strategic field placements, the second game saw them lose control early. England’s Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont took the game away, and India failed to strike early blows. For turnaround, India will bank on early breakthroughs from pacers like Arundhati Reddy and Amajort Kaur, before letting Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana work their magic in the middle overs.
Spinners TEST again
With Chester-le-Street likely to offer grip for spinners, it will again be a spin battle and the visitors must rise to it, Ecclestone’s fight line and length in the second ODI. Can they learn quickly? That’s a million rupee question
Drama Brewing?
Adding spice to the series finale is the subtle tension from the previous match. The appeal against Tammy Beaumont for obstruction added heat. Though ruled out, it showed India’s aggression. Expect a charged-up Harmanpreet Kaur-led unit.
A series Beyond the Scoreline
With the 50-over World Cup just two months away, this decider is more than just another match. It is the test of adaptability, temperament, and preparation. For the visitors, a win here boosts morale and sends a strong message to the cricketing World. But can they deliver when it matters most? If India’s batters apply themselves, Bowlers stay consistent, and the team brings back the energy of the first ODI? And it’s not just a game. It’s redemption in whites and blues.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W: England Women Clash Against India Women In Decider