England Edge India in T20 World Cup Warm-up After Richa Ghosh’s Fighting Knock

Focused England clinched a sensational five-run victory over India in a Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match, thanks to a superb fighting innings from Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh.

On winning the toss and batting first, England gave a fighting total which was set thanks to two fine fifties from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones. The pair have been through two World Cup campaigns together and their partnership steadied the ship for England after a difficult start to set India a competitive target. With batting that was measured, they made sure England did not lose their stride in the middle overs and finished with a flourish.

India started the chase in a wobbly fashion as English bowlers continued to pick wickets and kept the visitors under pressure. But a counterattacking innings from Richa Ghosh almost turned the match in India’s favour. Ghosh scored 68 runs with a trademark powerful and fearless stroke play to keep India afloat even as wickets tumbled at the other end. Her attacking style of play put pressure on England and got the required rate down to manageable numbers during the final overs of the match.

As the game moved into a nail-biting conclusion, England’s bowlers stepped up. They kept a leash on India through the final overs, taking key wickets while preventing Ghosh from finding near enough partners to take them home. India ultimately lost by five runs, falling just short of a spirited chase that had seemed improbable earlier in the innings.

The warm-up match gave both sides great preparation leading into the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup. Sciver-Brunt and Jones are in such solid form, too, and the composure of their bowlers during a tight finish will encourage England. On the other hand, India will be pleased with Ghosh’s explosive knock which proved that she can turn a match around single-handedly.

The result went in England’s favour at the end of the day but Ghosh put in a great performance and it did bode well for India heading into the global tournament.