India eye one last push against England as Women's T20 World Cup nears

With the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England just weeks away, India Women are set for a crucial final tune-up against England Women in a three-match T20I series. The tour, which forms part of India’s preparations for the global event beginning on June 12, offers the team an opportunity to test combinations, fine-tune the batting order and assess squad depth in challenging English conditions.

India head into the series with a settled yet dynamic squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur, while Smriti Mandhana serves as vice-captain. The batting unit features Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh, while the middle order will rely heavily on the experience and all-round value of Deepti Sharma.

The bowling attack will once again be spearheaded by Renuka Singh, with emerging talents such as Kranti Goud and Shree Charani adding depth and variety. There will also be attention on Nandini Sharma, who has earned her maiden India call-up. Meanwhile, Radha Yadav and Yastika Bhatia will look to gain valuable match practice following their comebacks.

INDIA LOOK TO REGAIN MOMENTUM

India Women have experienced a mixed run in recent months. They began strongly in December 2025 with a dominant 5-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka Women at home, shortly after their historic ODI World Cup triumph in November.

India then followed it up with an impressive 2-1 T20I series victory against Australia Women, boosting confidence ahead of the World Cup. However, the momentum dipped after a disappointing 1-4 series defeat to South Africa Women, which exposed concerns over batting consistency and bowling depth.

ENGLAND BOOSTED BEFORE WORLD CUP

England Women head into the T20 World Cup with strong momentum after securing a 2-1 T20I series win over New Zealand Women at home. England began the series with a seven-wicket victory in Derby before suffering a 14-run defeat in the second match.

They bounced back strongly in the decider at Hove, bowling New Zealand out for just 80 and chasing the target with seven wickets in hand and 37 balls to spare. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith impressed with six wickets at an economy rate of 4.16, helping her climb 38 places to second in the ICC Women’s T20I bowling rankings.

However, England have also been hit by injury concerns ahead of the World Cup. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been ruled out of the T20I series against India Women due to a calf tear, casting doubt over her fitness.

Meanwhile, Danni Wyatt-Hodge returns to the squad after missing the New Zealand series following the birth of her first child and will be available for the final two matches against India.

When to watch England vs India Women’s T20I series

Matches in the England vs India Women’s T20I series will start at 11 PM IST, 6:30 PM local time and 5:30 PM GMT.

Where to watch England vs India Women’s T20I series

Sony Sports Network has the broadcasting rights for the England vs India Women’s T20I series. Live Streaming of the matches will be available on the Sony LIV app.

Squads for England vs India Women’s T20I series

England: Amy Jones, Charlie Dean (captain), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danni Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Issy Wong, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Lauren Bell, Lauren Filer, Tilly Corteen-Coleman

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Shree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wicket-keeper), Nandani Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Kranti Gaud, Shreyanka Patil, Radha Yadav

Schedule for England vs India Women’s T20I series

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• 1st T20I: England Women vs India Women - Thursday, May 28 at County Ground, Chelmsford - 11:00 PM IST
• 2nd T20I: England Women vs India Women - Saturday, May 30 at County Ground, Bristol - 11:00 PM IST
• 3rd T20I: England Women vs India Women - Tuesday, June 2 at The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton - 11:00 PM IST