Issy Wong's late surge led England Women's A to level the three-match T20 series against India with a four-wicket victory in the second game on December 1.
In pursuit of 150 runs for victory, England faced challenges towards the end as India consistently took wickets. However, Wong, a Mumbai Indians player in the Women's Premier League (WPL), played a decisive innings, scoring a match-winning 35 runs off 15 balls including five boundaries and one six.
The match seemed destined for a nail-biting finish, just like the first game, with England losing wickets at a rapid pace. But Wong turned the tide on the turning Wankhede Stadium track, scoring her last 23 runs off just seven balls to propel England towards victory.
With 17 needed off 12, Wong played a crucial role by scoring two fours and a six off Kashvee Gautam (1/34), guiding England to victory as they finished at 151/6 in 18.5 overs.
The series-deciding match is scheduled to take place on December 3.
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Before Wong's exceptional performance, Grace Scrivens was the top-scorer with 39 runs, forming a solid opening partnership of 38 runs with Maia Bouchier. Bouchier, aggressive from the start, contributed with three fours and a six, scoring 27 before being dismissed by India's skipper Minnu Mani (2/29).
However, the crucial moment of the game came when Shreyanka Patil (1/2) delivered an exceptional ball that sharply spun into the in-form Hollie Armitage (13). Armitage's defence was breached, and the ball hit the top of the leg stump.
India didn't have to wait long for their third wicket as Mani had Scrivens caught behind for 39 runs off 34 balls including five fours.
Following a sharp catch by G Divya that concluded Mady Villiers' (4) innings off Gautam, a superb direct hit from Jintimani Kalita dismissed the dangerous-looking Freya Kemp (17), increasing the pressure on the visitors.
Wong played a couple of fours to keep England's hopes alive, but a remarkable throw from the deep by Patil caught Charlie Dean (10) short of her crease in the 18th over.
Previously, there was a noticeable change in India's approach with the bat as the team scored 54/2 in the powerplay.
Wicketkeeper-batter Uma Chetry provided an early boost with a quick start, hitting a 14-ball 26 with three fours and a six.
However, Wong (1/35) halted her charge, after Mahika Gaur claimed the first wicket of the game by sending Vrinda Dinesh (4) back early.
Mani managed to hit three fours but was limited to a 13-ball 14. However, it was the young Punjab batter, Kanika Ahuja, who delivered the most impressive performance.
Ahuja struck five fours, making 27 runs from 14 balls, showcasing impressive footwork and precision in finding gaps.
Despite a strong start, India faltered by losing key wickets. Disha Kasat scored 20 off 25 balls, while Divya (7) and Shreyanka (0) failed to contribute.
A flurry of wickets compelled Arushi Goel (26 not out, 26 balls, 3x4s) to anchor one end, and her innings played a crucial role in pushing the total to 149/9.
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