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The high-stakes cricket summer kicked off with a bang at Taunton on June 02, 2026, as England Women locked horns with India Women in the crucial 3rd T20I. With the series perfectly poised, both powerhouses stepped onto the field knowing that only a flawless performance would secure the silverware. India put up a formidable batting display, targeting a huge total on a batting-friendly surface. However, T20 cricket is often decided by moments of individual magic in the field, and a sensational piece of athleticism from England’s premier spinner completely shifted the momentum of the first innings.
Yastika Bhatia departs after Sophie Ecclestone’s brilliant direct-hit run out in final T20I
India’s top order came out with clear intent, looking to maximize the powerplay. Smriti Mandhana fell early for just 8 runs, and Shafali Verma managed 11 before departing. However, Yastika Bhatia looked in sublime touch, completely dismantling the English bowling attack during her brief stay at the crease. Operating at a blistering strike rate of 177.77, Bhatia smashed 32 runs off just 18 deliveries, peppered with 7 exquisite fours. Alongside her partners, she pushed India’s score forward at a rapid pace, threatening to take the game away from the hosts.
Then came the game-changing moment in the 7th over, specifically at the 6.3 mark, delivered by bowler Dani Gibson. Bhatia made room toward the leg side, firmly biffing a drive straight into the covers. It looked destined for the gap, but Ecclestone had other plans. Moving with incredible sharpness, Ecclestone gathered the ball cleanly, anticipated the batters’ hesitation, and released the ball with lightning speed.
It was a bullet throw aimed directly at the stumps. A laboured Bhatia, caught short by the sudden brilliance of the fielding unit, was not even in the frame when the bails flew off. Sent packing by a mile, Bhatia’s departure for 32 runs broke a dangerous partnership and struck a massive blow to the Indian camp, dragging England right back into the contest.
Here’s the video:
WHAT A THROW! 🎯
Eccy! 👏 pic.twitter.com/vBIcCN75fn
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 2, 2026
Also READ: Alice Capsey, Heather Knight sizzles in England’s series-clinching win over India in 3rd T20I
England clinch the series decider against India in 3rd Women’s T20I
Despite losing Bhatia, India managed to post a highly competitive total of 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a masterful, unbeaten 56 off 40 balls, supported by useful contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (29) and Deepti Sharma (32). Among the English bowlers, Lauren Bell was the pick of the attack, picking up 2 wickets for 36 runs in her 4-over spell.
Chasing a daunting target of 181, England’s response started shaky. They slumped to a worrying 38/3 in the 6th over, courtesy of disciplined opening spells from India’s Arundhati Reddy (2/31) and Kranti Gaud (2/40). However, the match swung decisively back to the hosts thanks to a breathtaking 137-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Alice Capsey played an absolute blinder, tearing the Indian bowling apart with a spectacular 82 off just 43 balls, striking at an impressive 190.69. She found a perfect partner in seasoned veteran Heather Knight, who anchored the chase beautifully with an unbeaten 70 off 42 deliveries. By the time Capsey fell in the 18th over, the damage was already done. Freya Kemp joined Knight to easily cross the finish line, as England finished on 184/4 in 18.3 overs. Winning the match by 6 wickets with 9 balls to spare, England clinched the series decider in front of a roaring home crowd. For her match-winning, series-defining batting masterclass, Capsey was deservedly named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Also READ: India star Jemimah Rodrigues opens up batting order flexibility ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
