On 02 June 2026, a summer of high-priced cricket began at Taunton. England Women locked horns with India Women in the crucial 3rd T20I. With the streak perfectly set, both powerhouses took to the field knowing that only a flawless performance would ensure silverware. India put up a huge batting display aiming for a big total on a batting-friendly surface. However, T20 cricket is often decided by individual moments of magic on the field and a sensational piece of athleticism from England’s top spinner completely changed the momentum of the first innings.
Yastika Bhatia departs after Sophie Ecclestone’s brilliant direct hit runs out in the final T20I
India’s top order came out with a clear intention to maximize the power play. Smriti Mandhana He fell early for just 8 runs and Shafali Verma managed 11 before leaving. However, Yastika Bhatia looked in sublime touch, completely disintegrating the English bowling attack during his brief stay at the crease. Working at a strike rate of 177.77, Bhatia smashed 32 runs off just 18 deliveries peppered with 7 exquisite fours. Along with his partners, he quickly pushed India’s score forward, threatening to take the game away from the hosts.
Then came the game-changing moment in the 7th over, particularly at the 6.3 mark, delivered by the bowler Dani Gibson. Bhatia made space towards the leg side and squeezed the drive into the flat covers. It was intended for the void, but Ecclestone had other plans. Moving with incredible sharpness, Ecclestone collected the ball cleanly, waited for the batsman’s hesitation and released the ball with lightning speed.
It was a shot aimed straight at the stumps. The industrious Bhatia was caught up in the sudden glow of the fielding unit and was not even in the frame as the bails flew. Sent packing within a mile, Bhatia’s departure for 32 runs broke the dangerous partnership and sent England back into the contest in a major blow to the Indian camp.
We present the video:
DON’T THROW IT! 🎯
Eccy! 👏 pic.twitter.com/vBIcCN75fn
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 2, 2026
Also READ: Alice Capsey and Heather Knight celebrate England’s win over India in the 3rd T20I
England clinched the series decider against India in the 3rd Women’s T20I
Despite losing Bhatia, India managed to post a highly competitive score of 180/5 in their allotted 20 overs. captain Harmanpreet Kaur Led from the front with a masterful, unbeaten 56 off 40 balls backed by useful contributions. Jemima Rodrigues (29) and Deepti Sharma (32). Among English bowlers, Lauren Bell He was the pick of the attack with 4 overs, picking up 2 wickets for 36 runs.
Chasing the daunting target of 181, England’s response got off to a shaky start. Thanks to India’s disciplined opening spells, they slumped to a worrying 38/3 in the 6th over. Arundhati Reddy (2/31) and Kranti Gaud (2/40). However, the match swung decisively back to the hosts thanks to a breathtaking 137-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Alice Capsey India smashed their bowling for a magnificent 82 off just 43 balls, scoring 190.69. He found the perfect partner in a seasoned veteran Heather KnightAn unbeaten 70 off 42 deliveries followed that up beautifully. The damage had already been done when Capsey went down on the 18th. Freya Kemp England joined Knight to easily cross the finish line in 18.3 overs at 184/4. England, who won the match by 9 balls and 6 wickets, won the series decider in front of a roaring home crowd. For his match-winning, series-defining batting masterclass, Capsey was deservedly named both Man of the Match and Man of the Series.
Also READ: India star Jemimah Rodrigues reveals her batting agility ahead of the 2026 T20 Women’s World Cup.
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
