India Women's A Pip England Women's A By 3 Runs In First T20 Match

India Women's A staged a late inspirational comeback to pip England Women's A side by a mere three runs in the first T20 game of their three-match series on Wednesday. Chasing 135 for win, England looked in complete control riding on a brilliant 70-run stand for the fourth wicket between vice-captain Hollie Armitage (52) and wicketkeeper-batter Seren Smale (31), but India fought back with a cluster of wickets to clinch a narrow win. Kashvee Gautam (2/23) struck twice to dismiss Smale and Issy Wong (2) in the 18th over to open the door back for the Indians, who pulled off a thrilling win at the Wankhede Stadium. With 13 needed off the final over, Shreyanka Patil (2/26) gave away five extras (wide) on the first ball but India prevailed eventually by three runs.

India Women's A were guilty of not putting up enough runs on the board and making plenty of mistakes in the field.

Armitage, who top-scored in the game with 52 off 41 balls (3x4s, 1x6s), made the most of a lifeline as Disha Kasat spilled a regulation catch at cover off Prakashika Naik (1/28).

Another opportunity to break the stand was missed in the 14th over when Indian 'keeper Uma Chetry did not collect the ball to break the stumps, anticipating a direct hit.

The two England batters unleashed powerful hits while constantly pressuring the Indian fielders with brisk running between the wickets.

Patil got India A their first breakthrough when she cleaned up Grace Scrivens (7) in the second over.

Mannat Kashyap (1/21) got rid of Mady Villiers (20; 17 balls, 4x4s) and Naik removed Freya Kemp (1) in the eighth over.

Earlier, after electing to bat, India made 134/7 in 20 overs. Kasat batted well to make 25 from 32 balls, hitting three fours.

On a slow deck, India Women's