When the two sides meet in a three-match women’s T20I series beginning on December 6, Wednesday, Indian women will try to build on recent results and improve their poor bilateral record against England. So far, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side has had a fantastic year in the shortest format, winning the gold medal at the Asian Games, a 2-1 away series against Bangladesh, and reaching the final of the triangular series in South Africa, with West Indies as the third side.

World No.2 England, on the other side, will aim to rebound from a 1-2 home loss to Sri Lanka. Ranked No.4 in the standings India has a dismal record in T20Is at home, as well as against England in general, and the hosts will be hoping for something exceptional this time.

India had only two wins in nine home matches against England, with their most recent success coming more than five years ago in March 2018, when they triumphed by eight wickets at the Brabourne Stadium. India’s overall record against England is equally worrying, with only seven victories from 27 encounters. The series also provides Women in Blue with the potential to improve their overall home record, which currently stands at 19 wins, 30 losses, and one tie.

Both India and England advanced to the finals of the recent T20I World Cup in South Africa. With the next major event scheduled for September – October 2024, this series allows them to fine-tune their preparations for the edition in Bangladesh. India has three new bowlers in its squad and they are right-arm spinner Shreyanka Patil, left-arm spinner Mannat Kashyap, and another left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque.