The anticipation reaches a new level at the iconic Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, where the final chapter of a fiercely fought white-ball saga between England and India promises high drama. The 3rd ODI, scheduled for a 5:30 PM IST start on 22nd July 2025, is not just a series decider but a showcase of two of the world’s most formidable sides in women’s cricket, each led by inspirational captains: Nat Sciver-Brunt marshalling the English charge on home turf and Harmanpreet Kaur fueling India’s resurgence with her steely leadership.
This tour has already delivered history. India clinched their maiden T20I series win against England on English soil (3–2), a landmark moment signalling the team’s growing confidence and global stature. In the ODI leg, the pendulum has swung with thrilling unpredictability: a hard-fought four-wicket win for India to open the series, answered by an emphatic English response in a rain-truncated contest at Lord’s. With the series tantalisingly poised at 1–1, Chester-le-Street awaits a finale charged with not just the ODI series at stake but pride, legacy, and the ever-growing rivalry between these cricketing powerhouses.
For fans and followers, tomorrow’s battle promises more than just a result. It is a testament to the rising standard and relentless spirit of women’s cricket, where every clash writes a new chapter in the sport’s evolving narrative.
Squads:
India:
Harmanpreet Kaur ©, Smriti Mandhana (VC), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Yastika Bhatia (WK), Tejal Hasabnis, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, N Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, and Sayali Satghare.
England:
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Em Arlott, Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Tammy Beaumont (WK), Amy Jones (WK), Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey*, Kate Cross, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell.
*Note: Alice Capsey has been released from the squad to represent Surrey at the domestic level.
Players to Watch Out For:
Pratika Rawal:
India’s 24-year-old opening batter and all-rounder, Pratika Rawal, is steadily carving her niche in the high-pressure cauldron of international cricket. In the ongoing three-match ODI series against England, Rawal has contributed 39 runs from two innings, averaging 19.50 with the bat. While these numbers may seem modest, they reflect the grit and composure she brings to the top of the order against a world-class English attack.
Rawal’s role is pivotal not only for anchoring the innings but also for setting the tone early for her side. Her all-round capabilities add crucial depth to India’s lineup, providing both batting stability and a valuable option with the ball. As the series reaches its climax, Rawal’s adaptability and fighting spirit bode well for her future in Indian cricket, hinting at greater performances ahead as she gains experience on the biggest stage.
Jemimah Rodrigues:
Jemimah Rodrigues, India’s dynamic 24-year-old middle-order batter, has once again underlined her value in the ongoing ODI series against England. With 51 runs from two innings at an average of 25.50, Rodrigues’ standout performance came in the opening match, where she anchored the innings with a well-crafted 48.
Her ability to absorb pressure and rotate the strike has been crucial for India, especially in challenging English conditions. Rodrigues brings a blend of composure and aggression to India’s middle order, often acting as the vital link between the top and lower order. As the series heads into its decider, her knack for building partnerships and accelerating when needed makes her a key figure in India’s batting lineup.
Nat Sciver-Brunt:
England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt continues to demonstrate her class and leadership in the ongoing ODI series against India. With 62 runs from two innings at an average of 31, Sciver-Brunt is currently England’s second-highest run-scorer in the series, lending stability and experience to the middle order.
Her calm approach under pressure and ability to find gaps have been central to England’s batting efforts so far. As the decisive third ODI approaches, Sciver-Brunt’s all-round experience and composure will prove invaluable. England will look to their skipper to inspire another match-winning performance and guide her team to a victorious ODI series campaign on home soil.
Sophia Dunkley:
Sophia Dunkley has emerged as the driving force in England’s batting lineup during the ongoing ODI series against India. The 27-year-old has amassed 92 runs in just two innings at an impressive strike rate of 91.08, making her both England’s leading run-scorer and the joint-highest scorer of the series so far alongside India’s Deepti Sharma.
Dunkley’s standout moment came in the opening ODI, where she celebrated her birthday with a magnificent 83-run knock. Her aggressive stroke play and consistency at the crease have given England momentum at crucial junctures.
Pitch Report:
It is a bowler-friendly wicket at Chester-le-Street, and the overcast conditions that are likely to be on offer will favour the pacers more than the spinners, with as many as 41 wickets going to pace at this venue. The batters will need to blend caution with aggression, as the average score at this venue is just 141 in the last five games.
Weather Report:
Fans should prepare for a damp atmosphere at the Riverside Ground. As of Tuesday, light rain is expected to make sporadic appearances, with temperatures hovering around a mild 20°C. There’s a 25% chance of precipitation, 73% humidity, and a gentle breeze at 14 km/h. While the showers should remain light, occasional interruptions are possible.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amy Jones (WK), Sophia Dunkley, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Pratika Rawal, Sophie Ecclestone, Kranti Gaud, Charlie Dean.
Match Details:
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Date: 22nd July 2025 (Tuesday)
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Time: 5:30 PM IST
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Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Broadcast Info:
In India, the series is broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on SonyLIV and FanCode.
In England, matches are available live on Sky Sports Cricket, with additional streaming via the BBC Network.
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