The rivalry between the India Women’s and England Women’s cricket teams is one of the most compelling stories in women’s cricket.
Though not as storied or as intense as some of the rivalries in men’s cricket, the encounters between these two sides have offered plenty of drama, excitement, and skill, particularly in international tournaments.
Both teams have been powerhouses in women’s cricket, consistently featuring in the top echelons of global rankings, and their battles have often been a showcase of talent, resilience, and determination.
In this blog, we’ll look at the key moments, series, and matches in the India Women vs England Women timeline, highlighting their encounters in ODIs, T20Is, and Test cricket.
This timeline explores how this rivalry has evolved, offering insight into memorable performances that have defined these teams’ journeys.
A Brief History of the India Women vs England Women Rivalry
The rivalry between India and England’s women’s teams has been one of mutual respect and fierce competition. The first major series between the two teams came in 1976, when England Women toured India.
Since then, the encounters between them have grown in stature, particularly with the advent of the Women’s World Cup and other ICC tournaments.
India and England have played many thrilling series, with both teams winning and losing on each other’s turf.
The England Women’s team has often been regarded as one of the most competitive in the world, while India has emerged as a force to reckon with in the last two decades, especially after the rise of players like Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, and Harmanpreet Kaur.
| Statistic | Test (2003-2017) | ODI (2000-2023) | T20I (2021-2023) |
| Span | 2003-2017 | 2000-2023 | 2021-2023 |
| Matches Played | 5 | 24 | 6 |
| Wins (England) | 4 | 12 | 1 |
| Wins (India) | 0 | 7 | 5 |
| Losses (England) | 0 | 7 | 1 |
| Losses (India) | 2 | 10 | 0 |
| Draws | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| No Result | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Win/Loss Ratio (England) | 2.00 | 1.71 | 1.00 |
| Win/Loss Ratio (India) | 0.00 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
| Win Percentage (England) | 80% | 50% | 16.67% |
| Win Percentage (India) | 0% | 29.17% | 83.33% |
| Loss Percentage (England) | 0% | 29.17% | 16.67% |
| Loss Percentage (India) | 40% | 41.67% | 0% |
| Draw Percentage | 20% | 0% | 0% |
Key Milestones in the India Women vs England Women Rivalry
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Here’s a look at some key moments, series, and matches that have shaped this rivalry:
1. India Women vs England Women in ICC Women’s World Cup
The ICC Women’s World Cup has been one of the primary stages where this rivalry has been most intense. Both teams have clashed in several finals and semifinals, with the outcomes often shaping the history of women’s cricket.
2017 ICC Women’s World Cup Final (England Women won): One of the most memorable clashes between these two teams took place in the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup final at Lord’s. India, led by Mithali Raj, faced England in a historic final, where England won by 9 runs. It was a nail-biting contest, with England defending a total of 228.
The match is remembered for India’s spirited chase, which came up short in the final overs. This was a moment of heartbreak for India, but it was also a defining moment in women’s cricket.
2013 ICC Women’s World Cup (England Women won): Another significant chapter came in the 2013 Women’s World Cup, where England emerged victorious in a thrilling final, defeating the West Indies. Although India was not a part of the final that year, their performances earlier in the tournament were noteworthy, and the rivalry with England remained an integral part of the tournament’s narrative.
2. India Women vs England Women in T20Is
The T20I format has also seen its share of fireworks between the two sides. India’s rise in the T20 format, especially with their win in the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, has added more excitement to their rivalry with England.
2018 T20 Series (England Women won): In 2018, England Women defeated India in a 3-match T20 series. Despite India’s spirited efforts, England’s depth and experience in T20 cricket saw them dominate the series. However, India’s performance in individual games proved that they were closing the gap in this format.
2021 T20 Series (India Women won): India’s women’s team earned a significant victory over England in a T20 series in 2021, showcasing their growing confidence in the shorter formats. The series highlighted India’s ability to compete with the best, even in challenging overseas conditions.
3. India Women vs England Women in ODIs
The ODI format has been where most of the significant encounters between India and England have unfolded. Both teams have often met in crucial matches in World Cups and other bilateral series.
2021 England Women Tour of India (England Women won): In 2021, England Women toured India for a limited-overs series, and the two teams played a thrilling ODI series. England clinched the series 2-1 in a hard-fought battle. India fought back hard in the third ODI, but England’s depth and experience in the middle overs allowed them to come out on top.
2018 England Women Tour of India (India Women won): India Women defeated England 2-1 in a series of closely contested matches, with notable performances from players like Mithali Raj and Smriti Mandhana. This series was a key milestone for India, as they secured a series victory against one of the top teams in women’s cricket.
Timeline of India Women vs England Women Matches
Below is a timeline of the most important matches and series between the two teams:
| Series/Tournament | Winner | Margin |
| 2021 ODI Series (India Women in England) | England Women | 2-1 (3) |
| 2021 T20 Series (India Women in England) | India Women | 2-1 (3) |
| 2018 ODI Series (England Women in India) | India Women | 2-1 (3) |
| 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup Final | England Women | England won by 9 runs |
| 2013 ICC Women’s World Cup Final | England Women | England defeated the West Indies |
| 2005 ICC Women’s World Cup Semifinal | England Women | England won by 3 wickets |
| 2000 ICC Women’s World Cup Final | England Women | England won by 2 wickets |
Key Moments in the India Women vs England Women Rivalry
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Iconic World Cup Moments:
- 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup Final: The India Women’s team gave a valiant chase but ultimately fell short in the final against England. This match remains one of the most memorable encounters in women’s cricket.
Thrilling ODI Encounters:
- 2018 ODI Series: India Women’s historic series win in 2018 against England in India was a key milestone. Their all-round performance, particularly in the middle overs, helped them overcome the English challenge.
Dramatic T20I Contests:
- 2021 T20 Series: India’s victory in the 2021 T20 series was an important moment for the team as they proved their strength in the shorter format, beating a highly competitive England team on their home soil.
Conclusion: The Future of the Rivalry
As both teams continue to develop and evolve, the rivalry between India Women and England Women is set to remain a key feature of women’s international cricket.
India, with its young and talented crop of players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma, is quickly emerging as a dominant force in all formats. England, on the other hand, continues to be a strong competitor, with seasoned players like Heather Knight and Nat Sciver.
As the women’s game grows globally, this rivalry will only intensify. With major ICC tournaments like the Women’s World Cup and T20 World Cup on the horizon, and more bilateral series in the pipeline, the future of this rivalry promises even more thrilling encounters.
Stay tuned for more updates and match reports as the India Women vs England Women rivalry continues to unfold.
FAQ
When did India Women first play against England Women?
India Women’s first major series against England Women was in 1976. Since then, both teams have met in numerous important series and ICC tournaments.
What was the result of the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup Final?
In the 2017 Women’s World Cup Final, England defeated India by 9 runs to win their fourth title.
How many T20I matches have India Women and England Women played?
India and England Women have played several T20I series, with India securing a notable win in 2021, and England winning the majority of their encounters in the past.
Has India Women ever won a World Cup against England Women?
No, India Women have yet to win a World Cup against England. However, they came close in the 2017 Women’s World Cup Final.
Who are the key players in the India Women vs England Women rivalry?
Some of the key players in this rivalry include India’s Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Mithali Raj, and England’s Heather Knight, Nat Sciver, and Sarah Taylor.
What is the head-to-head record between India Women and England Women?
The head-to-head record between India Women and England Women has seen close competition, with England generally holding the upper hand, particularly in World Cup finals and major ICC tournaments. However, India has won several important bilateral series.
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