The hallowed turf of Lord’s played host to a captivating second ODI between India Women and England Women on July 19, 2025, where England delivered a commanding performance to level the three-match series at 1-1. In a rain-affected encounter, reduced to 29 overs per side, England chased down a revised DLS target of 115 in just 21 overs, losing only two wickets.
The match showcased England’s clinical bowling and batting, led by Sophie Ecclestone’s match-defining spell, while India’s middle-order collapse proved their undoing. As the series heads to a decider in Chester-le-Street, both teams have plenty to ponder.
The day began with India batting first under overcast skies, hoping to set a challenging total. However, England’s bowlers, particularly their spinners, had other plans. Despite a spirited effort from Smriti Mandhana and a late flourish from Deepti Sharma, India’s batting faltered, setting the stage for England’s dominant chase. The match, though interrupted by rain, was a testament to England’s depth and India’s resilience, promising an exciting finale to the series.
India’s Batting: A Promising Start Undone by Collapse
India’s innings began with optimism as openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana navigated the early overs with caution. Mandhana, in particular, looked in sublime touch, stroking six boundaries in her 42 off 51 balls. The pair put on a steady partnership but the introduction of England’s spinners turned the tide. Pratika Rawal dismissal opened the floodgates, and the loss of Harleen Deol for 16 in 24 balls leads dramatic middle-order collapse.
The Indian batting lineup struggled to regain momentum after Deol’s wicket. Key players failed to convert their starts, with wickets falling at regular intervals. By the 20th over, India were 98/6, and it was left to Deepti Sharma to salvage the innings. Sharma’s unbeaten 30 off 34 balls, including two boundaries, provided a glimmer of hope, but the lower order, including Kranti Goud (4 off 9), couldn’t offer substantial support. India finished at 143/8 in 29 overs, a total that seemed below par on a good batting surface.
England’s Bowling: Sophie Ecclestone Shines in a Disciplined Effort
England’s bowling attack was the cornerstone of their victory, with Sophie Ecclestone delivering a masterclass in spin bowling. Her figures of 3/27 in six overs earned her the Player of the Match award, as she dismantled India’s batting with precise variations in pace and flight. Ecclestone removed Harleen Deol early and later dismissed Harmanpreet Kaur, breaking the backbone of India’s lineup.
She was ably supported by Charlie Dean, who claimed a wicket, and Em Arlott, who finished with 2/26 in her six overs. Linsey Smith and Lauren Bell (2/28) maintained tight lines, ensuring India’s batters had little room to maneuver. Despite dropping five catches, England’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting India to a modest total. Their ability to exploit the conditions and target India’s middle order was a key factor in keeping the run rate to 4.86 per over.
England’s Batting: A Clinical Chase with Amy Jones & Tammy Beaumont Leading
Chasing a revised target of 115 in 24 overs, England’s batters approached the task with confidence. Openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones set the tone with a 54-run partnership, scoring at a brisk pace. Beaumont’s 34 off 35 balls was a display of elegant strokeplay, while Jones anchored the innings with an unbeaten 46 off 57 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved half-century.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt, the England captain, contributed 21 off 25 balls, ensuring the chase remained on track. Sophia Dunkley sealed the victory with an unbeaten 9 off 6 balls, including a boundary off the penultimate ball. England’s batters showed great composure against India’s spinners, rotating the strike effectively and maintaining a run rate that never allowed the pressure to build. The chase was completed in 21 overs, with England losing just two wickets, underscoring their dominance.
The winning runs! 👊 pic.twitter.com/QdMykkVxuh
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 19, 2025
India’s Bowling: Limited Impact Despite Efforts
India’s bowling attack struggled to make inroads against England’s composed batting lineup. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana were the standout performers, each claiming a wicket. Sharma dismissed Beaumont, while Rana accounted for Sciver-Brunt, who fell to Kranti Goud for 21. Goud’s wicket was a highlight, but it came too late to influence the outcome.
Despite these efforts, India’s bowlers lacked the consistency to disrupt England’s rhythm. The spinners, while economical at times, couldn’t break the partnerships early enough, and England’s batters scored freely, finishing the chase with ease. India’s inability to apply sustained pressure allowed England to maintain control throughout the innings.
Series Outlook: A Thrilling Decider Awaits
With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will head to Chester-le-Street for the third and final ODI on July 22, 2025. India will need to address their middle-order frailties, particularly after the collapse triggered by Harleen Deol’s dismissal. The team’s reliance on Mandhana and Sharma for runs highlights the need for other batters to step up. England, meanwhile, will take confidence from their disciplined bowling and clinical batting, with Ecclestone’s form a major asset.
The decider promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams showcasing their strengths and vulnerabilities. India’s spinners will need to find a way to counter England’s aggressive batting, while England will aim to exploit India’s batting inconsistencies. As fans eagerly await the final showdown, the series is poised for a dramatic conclusion.
The second ODI at Lord’s was a showcase of England’s all-round prowess and India’s resilience in adversity. While India showed flashes of brilliance, their middle-order collapse proved costly. England, led by Ecclestone’s brilliance and a composed batting display, capitalized on India’s shortcomings to secure a comprehensive victory. The series, now perfectly balanced, sets the stage for an unmissable finale, where every run and wicket will count.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W: Sophie Ecclestone’s 3/27 Steals Show In England’s Win