England Women vs India Women: 1st T20I Match Preview – June 28, 2025 – 14:30 GMT

Venue: Nottingham County Cricket Ground, England
Format: T20 International
Series: India Women’s Tour of England 2025
Part of: 5-match T20I series followed by 3-match ODI series

Match Preview

The 2025 India Women's tour of England begins with a high-stakes T20 International at the Nottingham County Cricket Ground on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 14:30 GMT. This marks the start of what promises to be an intriguing five-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series, offering both teams a golden opportunity to assess their form ahead of the Women's ODI World Cup later in the year.

England Women, known for their aggressive approach and strong all-round performances, will be eager to make a strong start on home soil. With a well-balanced squad and a home advantage, the hosts will look to capitalize on their support and the conditions to set the tone for the series. Captain Heather Knight and the experienced duo of Charlotte Edwards and Tammy Beaumont will be pivotal in guiding the team.

India Women, led by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur and supported by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, arrive in England with a mix of established stars and emerging talent. The team has been in consistent form in the T20I format and is looking to build on their recent success with a strong performance in England. The inclusion of Shafali Verma and the return of Deepti Sharma are key factors that could tip the balance in India's favor.

Key Match Factors

1. Pitch and Conditions

The Nottingham pitch is known for its balanced nature, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. With the weather expected to be mostly overcast, the toss could play a crucial role. A strong chase may be on the cards, making the early powerplay overs and the death overs particularly critical.

2. Batting Depth

England's batting lineup is deep and experienced, with the likes of Knight, Edwards, and Beaumont providing stability. India, on the other hand, will rely on the explosive opening of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, with Harmanpreet Kaur anchoring the middle order. The battle between the openers could set the tone for the innings.

3. Bowling Strength

England’s bowling unit is a blend of pace and spin, with Sophie Ecclestone and Kate Cross providing the necessary oomph. India, however, has the formidable duo of Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, who have consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. The death overs could be a deciding factor, especially with the presence of power hitters on both sides.

4. Captaincy and Leadership

Harmanpreet Kaur and Heather Knight will be under the spotlight as they lead their respective teams. Their tactical decisions, especially in the middle overs, could be the difference between victory and defeat. Both captains have a proven track record in high-pressure T20Is and will be keen to start the series on a winning note.

Player to Watch

• Smriti Mandhana (India): The vice-captain’s ability to accelerate the scoring rate can put pressure on the opposition. Her consistency and form will be crucial for India.
• Heather Knight (England): As captain and key batter, Knight's leadership and ability to anchor the innings will be vital for England’s success.
• Deepti Sharma (India): With her all-round ability, Deepti can both take wickets and support the innings with the bat. Her performance could be a game-changer.
• Sophie Ecclestone (England): One of the best spinners in the world, Ecclestone has the ability to turn the game in England's favor with her control and variations.

Betting Odds and Tips

• England to hit the most number of fours: 1.50
• India to win the toss and choose to bat: 2.10
• England to win the match: 2.20
• India to win the match: 1.75
• Highest individual score (over 50): 1.90

Note: Odds are subject to change and are available at various online sports betting platforms.

Prediction

This promises to be a closely contested encounter between two evenly matched teams. England’s home advantage and the quality of their all-rounders give them a slight edge, but India’s aggressive batting and experienced bowling unit can’t be underestimated. The toss will be crucial, and whoever wins it is likely to set the tone for the game.

Prediction:
England Women to win the 1st T20I by 5-8 runs, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the series.

Conclusion

The 1st T20I between England Women and India Women on June 28, 2025, at 14:30 GMT is set to be an exciting start to the series. Both teams will be eager to make a statement, and the match is expected to showcase some high-quality cricket. Fans can look forward to a thrilling contest with fireworks from both sides.

Don’t miss the action!
Coverage starts at 14:30 GMT at Nottingham County Cricket Ground.