india women vs england women

 Introduction

In the evolving landscape of women’s cricket, the contest between India Women and England Women has emerged as one of the most gripping rivalries. With both teams packed with talent, rich histories, and passionate fanbases, every clash between them brings not only sporting excellence but also a strong sense of national pride. This rivalry is marked by iconic performances, emotional moments, and the rising stature of women's cricket on the global stage.

Historical Overview

The first encounter between India Women and England Women took place in June 1978, during the Women’s World Cup. England, already a powerhouse in women’s cricket, dominated the initial matches, but India gradually improved. Over the decades, India has narrowed the gap through consistent development and investment in women's cricket.

As of 2025, the two teams have faced each other in multiple formats—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Each format has witnessed moments of brilliance that have added layers to this growing rivalry.

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Performance in Different Formats

Test Matches

Women's Test matches are rare, but when India and England meet in the longest format, the matches are intense and memorable. One of the most iconic was the Bristol Test in June 2021, where debutants Shafali Verma and Sneh Rana played crucial roles in helping India secure a historic draw after being made to follow on. Rana’s unbeaten 80 and match-saving partnership became a symbol of resilience.

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

ODIs have been the core of India-England rivalry. A defining moment was the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup Final at Lord’s, where England narrowly defeated India by 9 runs. That match, watched by millions worldwide, became a turning point for women’s cricket in India, leading to increased popularity and support.

Since then, India has built a strong ODI squad, led at different times by Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana, while England continues to be a dominant force with players like Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Sophie Ecclestone.

T20 Internationals (T20Is)

In T20Is, the encounters have been thrilling due to the fast-paced nature of the format. India's youthful squad, with explosive players like Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Richa Ghosh, have often outclassed England’s attack. However, England counters with its own stars like Danni Wyatt and Amy Jones, ensuring close finishes.

Notably, the 2022 Commonwealth Games semifinal in Birmingham saw England Women defeated by India in a dramatic last-over finish, adding yet another exciting chapter to this rivalry.

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Key Players in the Rivalry

India Women

1. Mithali Raj (Retired) – The highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket, she played a pivotal role in India’s rise.

2. Harmanpreet Kaur – Known for her aggressive batting, her 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semifinals remains legendary.

3. Smriti Mandhana – A stylish left-handed opener with a calm temperament.

4. Shafali Verma – A fearless batter known for her power-hitting.

5. Renuka Singh Thakur – A key bowler who has troubled top teams with her swing and pace.

England Women

1. Heather Knight – The captain who led England to the 2017 World Cup title.

2. Nat Sciver-Brunt – An all-rounder with the ability to change games with both bat and ball.

3. Sophie Ecclestone – One of the top-ranked bowlers in world cricket.

4. Danni Wyatt – A destructive T20 opener.

5. Katherine Sciver-Brunt (Retired) – A fierce competitor who brought intensity to every match.