England stand-in captain Charlotte Dean hailed the record 137-run fourth-wicket partnership between Alice Capsey and Heather Knight after the hosts pulled off a six-wicket chase of 181 against India in the third and final T20I at Taunton on 3 June, sealing the series 2-1 ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup. Dean said the calmness shown by the duo at the crease left the dressing room without a flicker of doubt.

How the chase unfolded

England were reeling at 38/3 in the powerplay, with Kranti Goud and Arundhati Reddy striking early for India. Capsey's blistering 82 off 43 and Knight's unbeaten 70 off 42 then flipped the contest, powering the hosts to 184/4 in 18.3 overs.

What Dean said about the partnership

“To be honest, no. The girls took on the powerplay really well, that's what we've asked them to do. And then, how brilliant from Caps and Heather there, a brilliant partnership, and got us to a record chase,” Dean said after the win.

She added that the composure of the pair set the tone for the rest of the batting unit. “It was brilliant. The way that they picked their moments as well and picked their bowlers. There was so much calmness that we didn't have doubt for a second in that dugout. The girls who were going to come in as well felt like it was set up perfectly for them.”

Fielding sets the tone

Dean also praised England's ground fielding, which helped peg India back to 180/5 despite an unbeaten 56 from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur. “I think those are the standards that we want to set for ourselves. The girls were phenomenal today, keeping the energy throughout. India hit lots of boundaries, so it can be hard to keep yourself up when you're leaking runs on occasion, but for our fielding performance to do a lot of talking is all we can ask for,” she said.

Dean on her leadership stint

Leading the side in the absence of regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, Dean reflected on her growth in the role. “I think I've learned a huge deal about myself. Probably a bit of a daunting challenge, but I've really enjoyed it actually. The girls have supported me so well, and I feel in a stronger place within myself and also my cricket,” she said.

The off-spinner, who conceded 33 runs with the ball, added: “I'm really enjoying bowling at the moment. Maybe it was a bit more expensive today, but I feel like I've got plans, a few different plans as well, which is quite exciting. And I feel like it's coming out of the hand quite nicely.”

What's next

With the series wrapped up and momentum on their side, England now shift focus to the Women's T20 World Cup, which begins later this month. India, meanwhile, will be looking to regroup after squandering a competitive total in the decider.