Issy Wong's all-around brilliance propelled England Women's A to a thrilling two-wicket victory over India Women's A, securing a decisive 2-1 triumph in the three-match T20I series. In a nail-biting low-scoring affair, India Women's A, electing to bat first on a slow-turning Wankhede Stadium wicket, were bowled out for a mere 101 in 19.2 overs, despite a valiant fight until the very end.
England Women's A, in pursuit of a modest target, reached 104 for eight in 19.1 overs, thanks to a crucial knock of 28 not out by Issy Wong, who had earlier claimed two wickets with her economical 2.2-0-18-2 spell.
Wong had single-handedly rescued England in the second match, blasting an unbeaten 15-ball 35 to level the series after India's victory in the opener.
Grace Scrivens, who had been dropped at eight by A. Goel off Mani in the third over at mid-on, was dismissed two balls later with a leading edge, giving India their second breakthrough.
Mannat Kashyap then added to India's joy by trapping Freya Kemp (0) caught at short-third, reducing England to 28 for three in four overs.
Minnu Mani (2/24) dealt another blow to England by removing Mady Villiers (1) for the fourth wicket. Shortly after, Hollie Armitage survived a close lbw appeal from Shreyanka Patil.
Armitage's 28-ball 27 was cut short by a brilliant direct hit from Mannat, and Anusha Bareddy caught Seren Smale (18) behind, leaving England reeling at 63 for six.
Wong and Rhianna Southby (3) combined to take England ahead, but Shreyanka brought India back into the game with two wickets in the 16th over.
Southby chopped one onto her wickets, and Lauren Filer (0) was cleaned up.
Earlier, India's batters struggled collectively in the series decider, with England's bowlers exploiting the conditions better.
Vrinda Dinesh (9 off 16 balls) was cleaned up looking to scoop a slower delivery from Mahika Gaur on the leg-side, while No. 3 Gongadi Trisha was caught at mid-wicket off Wong for a 10-ball 7.
Mani hit two fours to start but mistimed one off Kirstie Gordon to be caught at long-on. Uma Chetry, given a lifeline on 14, could only make 21 off 16 balls with three fours before being trapped lbw off Villiers. Goel (5) was caught by Smale after getting a top edge while looking to sweep Villiers, leaving India at 65 for five in the 14th over. Kanika Ahuja (3) failed to make an impact, and Disha Kasat (20 off 25 balls) once again fell in her 20s when she looked to attack. Monica Patel smashed two stunning boundaries to help India push towards the three-figure mark.
Earlier, this year Wong helped Mumbai Indians into WPL final with historic first hat-trick. Wong took the first Women's Premier League hat-trick as the Mumbai Indians secured a dominant 72-run victory against UP Warriorz.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
