England produced their highest successful T20 run chase on home soil as Alice Capsey and Heather Knight powered them to a six-wicket victory over India in Taunton, sealing a 2-1 series win and sharpening selection debates ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

Set 181 after India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur anchored the innings with 56 not out from 40 balls, supported by 32 apiece from Deepti Sharma and Yastika Bhatia, England’s bowlers and fielders were made to work hard. Captain Charlie Dean led with sharp tactics and athletic fielding, taking a wicket and two catches, while Lauren Bell’s 2 for 36 included the key dismissal of Deepti just as a dangerous stand with Kaur was building.

India’s total looked imposing, and England’s reply began shakily. Danni Wyatt-Hodge fell for 5, Sophia Dunkley for 16 and Amy Jones for 2, leaving the hosts 38 for 3 inside the powerplay and the required rate climbing above 9.5 an over. The pressure on England’s reshaped top order, already a talking point for head coach Charlotte Edwards, suddenly intensified.

Capsey and Knight responded with a partnership of authority and composure. Capsey, promoted into a pivotal role, counter-attacked with clean, straight hitting and inventive strokes around the wicket, racing to a half-century from 31 balls and eventually making 82 from 43. Knight, under scrutiny after a lean run, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 70, matching Capsey’s tempo when required and reaching her own fifty from 31 deliveries.

The pair added 137 from just 76 balls, dismantling India’s plans and turning a precarious situation into a controlled pursuit. Their stand showcased the blend of youth and experience that England hope will define their World Cup campaign: Capsey’s 360-degree strokeplay and all-round athleticism alongside Knight’s calm game management and shot selection.

Edwards, who has spoken of “headaches” over her top order, now faces a different kind of problem. With five players vying for two opening spots and Capsey pressing her case to bat higher, competition for places is intense. The coach praised Capsey’s development over the winter and highlighted the depth of a squad in which, she believes, all 15 players could justifiably make the starting XI.

For England, the chase was more than a series decider. It was proof they can hunt down big totals under pressure, a statement of intent as they head into a global tournament on home soil with momentum and belief.