Anushka Sharma-led IND A lose to Kira Chathli's ENG A, T20 series level at 1-1

Opener Vrinda Dinesh's 53-ball 79 went in vain as England A beat India A by five wickets in the second T20 of the series to level series 1-1. The second T20 of the series at Northampton, Country Ground, India A posted 172/4 on the board. Skipper Kira Chathli, who is of India-origin, scored a 26-ball 53 as England A chased down the target with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.

Vrinda shines but India A lack finishing touches

England A won the toss and opted to bowl first. Deeya Yadav started off with two boundaries against Grace Ballinger. Ryana MacDonald-Gay frustrated Deeya with four consecutive dot balls in the fifth over before knocking her over for an 11-ball 12. Vrinda hit the first six of the innings in the 11th over. In the 13th over, Ryana returned and dismissed Purvaja Verlekar for a 25-ball 30. In the next over, Vrinda reached her half-century from 41 balls.

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Anushka struggled to find boundaries so Vrinda took the attacking route. In the 16th over, she smashed Kalea Moore for two consecutive sixes. In the next over, Anushka accelerated with two fours and a six off Emma Jones. In the 18th over. Vrinda hit two more boundaries before losing her wicket to Sophia Smale. Her 52-ball 79 featured 10 fours and three sixes. In the last over, only five runs were scored whereas Gunalan Kamalini got run out. Anushka's unbeaten 25-ball 37 took India A to 172/4.

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Kira plays the captain’s knock

In the first two overs, England A openers hit a few boundaries. Vaishnavi Sharma got the breakthrough with Ella McCaughan's wicket. Kira arrived at the crease and hit two consecutive fours. In the fourth over, she hit the young spinner for three boundaries on the trot. Grace Scrivens hit three fours in the sixth over off Vrinda's bowling. England A were 68/1 after powerplay overs. Simran Bahadur was introduced into the attack and got Grace's wickets. She scored 39 runs from 26 balls, including five fours. In the 10th over, Kira hit Anushka for a six to reach her fifty from 25 balls.

Bess finishes it off

Shabnam knocked over Kira for a 26-ball 53 in the 11th over. Bess Heath did not let the tempo drop in the run chase. Minnu Mani, in the 14th over, trapped Jodi Grewcock in front of the wickets for a 17-ball 11. Shabnam wrapped up her quota of four overs with Charis Pavely's wicket. But, it turned out to be a consolation wicket. On the third ball of the 19th over, Bess finished the run chase. She remained unbeaten for a 23-ball 40.

The third and final T20 of the series will be played at County Ground, Chelmsford on June 25.