Introduction
In July 2025, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team etched a new chapter in cricketing history by producing one of their most dominant performances on foreign soil. Touring England — a formidable territory known for its challenging pitches and strong home side — India not only competed fiercely, but triumphed spectacularly in both the ODI and T20I series. For the first time, India registered back-to-back bilateral series wins on English soil, making it a landmark moment for Indian women’s cricket.
This blog analyses the dramatic rise, deep resilience, and world-class performances by Indian women during the England tour, highlighting the achievements, game-changing moments, and the key contributors who turned the tide in India’s favor.
Overview of the 2025 England Tour
Dates: June 28 – July 22, 2025
Format: 3 ODIs and 5 T20 Internationals
Venues: Lords, Edgbaston, Kennington Oval, Headingley, Old Trafford
Series Results:
- ODI Series: India won 2-1
- T20I Series: India won 3-2
What made the difference?
India’s women came prepared with a robust mix of experience and youth, technical adaptability, and above all, a renewed aggression. They adapted to England’s unpredictable weather and seaming tracks, fielded with intensity, batted deep, and showcased disciplined bowling strategies — all marks of a world-beating team.
ODI Series: India’s Grit Shines Bright
1st ODI – Lords, London
Result: India won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana’s authoritative knock (113* off 103 balls) silenced critics and gave India a powerful start. Chasing a target of 225, Smriti’s class vs pace attack was a sight to behold. Supported by Shafali Verma’s aggressive 40, India sealed the game in 43 overs.
Bowling contribution: Renuka Singh claimed 3 wickets with smart swing bowling.
2nd ODI – Headingley, Leeds
Result: England won by 5 wickets
Tough Game: India failed to accelerate in the middle order, scoring only 212.
Despite Harmanpreet Kaur’s half-century, a disciplined English chase led by Nat Sciver and Danni Wyatt leveled the series.
3rd ODI – Old Trafford, Manchester
Result: India won by 6 runs (Thriller!)
India batted first and posted 245, thanks to a fluid 74 by Jemimah Rodrigues and a fiery finish by Richa Ghosh.
Renuka Singh, Meghna Singh, and young left-arm spinner Radha Yadav held their nerves in the dying overs. England fell short by 6 runs in a last-over heartstopper.
T20I Series: Young Guns Dominate
1st T20I – Edgbaston
Result: India won by 5 wickets
Hero: Shafali Verma
Known for her fearless approach, Shafali blasted a 62 off 34 balls and set the tone for the series. Deepti Sharma’s late cameo sealed the win.
2nd T20I – Kennington Oval
Result: England won by 20 runs
Discipline in bowling went missing for India. Alice Capsey and Amy Jones dominated the middle overs.
3rd T20I – Leeds
Result: India won by 3 runs
This match exhibited India’s death-over discipline. Deepti Sharma bowled a fantastic 19th over. England needing 10 off the last over fell short by 3 runs.
4th T20I – Lords
Result: England won by 7 wickets
Decline in top-order show hurt India. But Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar impressed with the ball despite defending a small target.
5th T20I – Manchester (Decider)
Result: India won by 19 runs
Player of the Match: Richa Ghosh
With the series tied 2-2, high pressure loomed. Richa smashed 47 off 23 balls and launched India to a competitive 172/6.
Radha Yadav’s spell (3/18) and Harmanpreet’s astute captaincy clinched the series.
Key Player Contributors
1. Smriti Mandhana
- Total Runs (ODIs + T20Is): 291
- Brought stability in ODIs and accelerated when needed. Her ability to build long innings at one end gave others confidence.
2. Shafali Verma
- Highlight: 2 explosive T20I half-centuries
- Tackled pace attacks with ease and provided momentum during powerplays. Showed maturity beyond age in later matches.
3. Richa Ghosh
- The aggressive finisher India needed.
- Her knock in the final T20I was termed “Dhoni-esque” by pundits for her calm yet demolishing finish.
4. Deepti Sharma
- All-round brilliance
- Key overs in T20 games and consistent with the bat lower down the order. Her composure in crunch moments made her invaluable.
5. Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain)
- Led with clarity, field positions were spot on. Encouraged fearless cricket while ensuring discipline.
6. Renuka Singh Thakur
- Wickets: 11 (Across both formats)
- Her opening spells broke England’s back repeatedly. Brought swing to the attack.
7. Radha Yadav
- One of the most improved players.
- Economical spells, timely wickets, and fielding brilliance stood out.
8. Jemimah Rodrigues
- Composed and technical upper-middle-order batter
- Built critical innings and rotated strike when aggressive shots didn’t pay off.
9. Pooja Vastrakar
- Her comeback from injury was inspiring.
- Proved herself as a reliable 5th bowler and a handy lower-order batter.
India’s Strategic Edge
The 2025 England tour wasn’t just about talent — strategy and execution played a huge role.
- Use of left-hand/right-hand batting combinations
- smart rotation of bowlers,
- attacking field placements,
- proactive DRS usage by Harmanpreet Kaur.
The team looked technically prepared, tactically sharp, and mentally resilient.
Social Impact and Global Reception
- India now holds **#2 in ICC Women’s ODIankings and #3 in T20Is
- Global media praised India for bringing “intent and intensity”
- Former English cricketer Charlotte Edwards said: “This is the best Indian women XI we’ve seen abroad.”
- Increased fan engagement and viewership across India — with record TRPs for the final T20I.
Challenges Overcome
- Weather and pitch unpredictability
- Injury to Rajeshwari Gayakwad before tour
- Heavy expectations post-Asia Cup 2024
- Tight schedules with little turnaround between matches
Yet the Indian women fought on all fronts and emerged victorious.
Looking Forward: What’s Next?
- This tour sets the tone for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
- With strong bench strength (e.g., Uma Chetry, Saika Ishaque), team India looks to dominate for years.
- The young players’ exposure to high-pressure international games has laid the groundwork for a golden future.
Conclusion
This England tour wasn’t just a series — it was a statement. Indian women are no longer underdogs. They are serious title contenders, ready to take on the world with skill, mental toughness, and self-belief.
The victories in English conditions, especially with a new blend of youth and experience, reflect the relentless evolution of Indian women’s cricket.
If 2017 was the awakening, and 2022 the bust of world titles, 2025 is the rebuild, the reclaim, and perhaps the resurgence Indian cricket long awaited.