It’s a crisp evening in Manchester, and the floodlights at Emirates Old Trafford are ready to shine on a blockbuster clash. The England Women vs India Women 4th T20I on July 9, 2025, feels like the heart of this five-match series. With India leading 2-1, they’re one win away from a historic series triumph, while England are clawing to level things up and keep the fight alive. As a cricket fan glued to every ball of this series, I’m diving into the teams, the pitch, and my take on who’ll come out on top. For those following along on platforms like starexch for live updates, this one’s going to be a thriller!
A Series That’s Kept Us Hooked
This series has been a rollercoaster of emotions. India Women kicked things off with a bang at Trent Bridge, where Smriti Mandhana breathtaking 112 off 62 powered them to a 97-run win, and debutant Shree Charani’s 4/12 left England reeling. The 2nd T20I in Bristol saw India dig deep from 62/4, with Jemimah Rodrigues (63 off 41) and Amanjot Kaur (63* off 40) steering them to a 24-run victory. But England hit back in the 3rd T20I at Kennington Oval, where Sophia Dunkley’s 75 off 53 and Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 66 off 42 set up a dramatic five-run win on the final ball, despite a late collapse.
With India so close to their first-ever T20I series win over England, and the hosts showing they’ve got fight left, this match is a must-watch. If you’re checking starexch for real-time scores, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for every twist.
The Old Trafford Pitch: A Tale of Two Phases
Old Trafford’s pitch is like a good book—it starts with a twist and settles into a groove. Early on, it offers swing and bounce, which could give England’s seamers like Lauren Bell and Lauren Filer a chance to make early inroads, especially if Manchester’s cloudy skies add some extra spice. As the game rolls on, the surface becomes a batter’s ally, with true bounce letting players like Mandhana or Dunkley play their shots freely. In T20s here, first-innings scores typically hit 150–155, and teams batting first often hold a slight edge. Spinners like Sophie Ecclestone and Shree Charani could find some grip later, making those middle overs a battle of wits.
The weather on July 9 looks overcast, with a chance of light rain, which might make the toss crucial. Will the winner bowl first to exploit early movement, or bat first to set a big total, like India’s 210 in the opener? Platforms like starexch will have the toss updates, so you can follow along to see how it shapes the game.For supporters following the game, best cricket exchange sites offer an interactive means of remaining involved in the match's turn of events.
England Women: Can the Home Crowd Lift Them?
England’s had a rocky ride. They were bowled out for 113 in the 1st T20I and fell short chasing 181 in the second. But their third-game fightback was electric—Dunkley and Wyatt-Hodge’s 137-run opening stand gave them hope, even if their middle order crumbled, losing 9 wickets for 31 runs. With Nat Sciver-Brunt out with a groin injury, Tammy Beaumont’s leadership will be key.
Players I’m Watching:
Sophia Dunkley: Her 75 in the last game was a return to form. She’s England’s anchor.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge: Her 66 off 42 broke a lean patch and showed her flair.
Lauren Bell: With 5 wickets in the series, her pace has troubled India’s top order.
Sophie Ecclestone: The world’s top T20I spinner could be a game-changer on this pitch.
England need their top order to fire again and their middle order to hold steady. The Old Trafford crowd could be their secret weapon, and starexch will capture every cheer as the game unfolds.
India Women: Chasing a Milestone
India have been the sharper side, blending aggression with resilience. Smriti Mandhana’s 125 runs, including a century and a fifty, have been the backbone of their batting, while Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur’s 93-run stand in the 2nd T20I showed their depth. Shree Charani’s 8 wickets, including a stunning 4/12, have made her a revelation. Even in their narrow loss in the 3rd T20I, India pushed England to the final ball, with Mandhana (56 off 49) and Shafali Verma (47 off 25) leading the charge.
Players I’m Watching:
Smriti Mandhana: Her 56 in the 3rd T20I and earlier ton make her India’s star.
Shree Charani: The young spinner’s 8 wickets have England on edge.
Amanjot Kaur: Her unbeaten 63 and all-round spark add balance.
Harmanpreet Kaur: The captain’s been quiet with the bat, but she’s due for a big one.
India’s ability to recover from early setbacks, like their 62/4 in the 2nd T20I, makes them dangerous. They’re playing for history, and starexch will keep you updated on their quest.
The Rivalry and Current Vibe
England lead the head-to-head, winning 22 of 32 T20Is to India’s 10, but India’s back-to-back wins in the first two matches—a first against England—have shifted the momentum. England’s third-game victory keeps them alive, but India’s confidence is sky-high.
England’s Form: Loss-Loss-Win
India’s Form: Win-Win-Loss
Cool Stat: India’s 210/5 in the 1st T20I is their second-highest T20I total.
My Call: Who Wins This?
This match is a toss-up, but let’s break it down. England have the home crowd and a pitch that could suit their seamers early, but their middle-order fragility and Sciver-Brunt’s absence are big hurdles. India have been the more complete team, with batters and bowlers stepping up. The Old Trafford pitch might even the playing field, but India’s knack for handling pressure gives them a slight edge.
Toss Guess: India have been lucky with tosses, so I’m backing them to win it and maybe bat first, given their success with big totals.
Match Prediction: I’m going with India Women to edge this, likely by 10–15 runs if they bat first or 4–6 wickets if chasing. Mandhana’s form and Charani’s spin should tip the scales, though Dunkley and Bell could keep England close. Fans on X are buzzing about India’s hunger to seal the series, with some expecting Harmanpreet to finally fire. It’ll be tight, but India’s got the momentum. Keep up with every moment on starexch.
Where to Watch
Catch the action live on Sony Sports Network or stream on Sony LIV at 11:00 PM IST on July 9, 2025, from Old Trafford.
Final Thoughts
This 4th T20I is more than a game—it’s a battle for glory. India Women are on the verge of a historic series win, while England Women are fighting to defend their home turf. With stars like Mandhana, Dunkley, Charani, and Ecclestone ready to shine, this match will have you on the edge of your seat. My gut says India, but T20 cricket loves a surprise. Check starexch
