The wait is finally over as the much-anticipated India tour of England 2025 kicks off with a riveting 1st T20I at the iconic Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on 28th June (Saturday), starting at 7 PM IST. With two power-packed sides led by Harmanpreet Kaur (India) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (England), fans and fantasy cricket enthusiasts are in for a feast of action and strategy. The upcoming 5-match T20I series also marks the start of preparations for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in England and Wales from June to July 2026.
Fantasy XI Picks India Vs England, 1st T20I:
Wicket-keeper –
Richa Ghosh
Richa Ghosh, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, boasts 985 runs in 51 T20I innings at a remarkable strike rate of 142.13 and a healthy average of 27.36. Her aggressive intent at the crease and ability to finish games make her a must-have, especially given her consistency and expertise behind the stumps.
Batters –
Smriti Mandhana
One of the most prolific openers in the history of women’s T20Is, Smriti Mandhana’s 3,761 runs in 142 innings at a strike rate of 123.27 and an average of 29.38 (including 30 fifties) speak volumes. Her penchant for big scores and ability to provide explosive starts could be pivotal on the Trent Bridge surface.
Harmanpreet Kaur
The Indian skipper is the epitome of stability and power. With 3,589 runs at an average of 29.17 (including 14 half-centuries and a century), and 32 wickets at an average of 24.84 (economy 6.27), Harmanpreet is a genuine match-winner with both bat and ball, a true all-round asset.
Shafali Verma
The swashbuckling opener has already amassed 2,045 runs in 84 innings (strike rate 129.10), alongside 10 wickets at an excellent average of 18.50. Her fearless batting and handy off-spin provide double value, making her irresistible for fantasy selection.
All-rounders:
Nat Sciver-Brunt
England’s captain is the quintessential T20 all-rounder. With 2,881 runs (strike rate 118.41, average 28.81) and 90 wickets (average 23.28) in 117 innings, Nat Sciver-Brunt is a high-impact player and a fantasy favourite. Expect her to lead from the front in both departments.
Alice Capsey
Capsey’s 711 runs (strike rate 118.50) and 6 wickets at 24.50 in 37 matches highlight her growing versatility. A dynamic player capable of changing games with bat or ball, she is a smart pick for fantasy teams seeking balance and utility. She could also be one of your captaincy choices.
Amanjot Kaur
A rising all-round star, Amanjot Kaur grabs her place with 89 runs (strike rate 120.27) and 4 wickets (economy 7.37) in limited appearances. Her ability to contribute in both facets, especially in pressure situations, can bring crucial fantasy points.
Bowlers:
Sophie Ecclestone
The world’s premier T20 spinner, Ecclestone’s 137 wickets at an astounding average of 15.24 (economy 5.87) in just 95 games cements her status as England’s strike weapon. Her guile, left-arm spin, and knack for choking runs make her an auto-pick.
Lauren Bell
With 44 wickets at 18.27 and an economy of 7.09, Lauren Bell’s new-ball skills and ability to generate seam movement could be tailor-made for Trent Bridge. Her recent form and four-wicket hauls underline her match-winning potential.
Arundhati Reddy
Arundhati Reddy has quietly established herself as a consistent wicket-taker, with 28 wickets in 32 innings at a healthy economy. Her strike-rate in crucial overs and ability to swing the new ball or bowl at the death make her an inspired captaincy choice, promising both wickets and fantasy bonus points.
Emily Arlott
Emily Arlott’s eye-catching 6 wickets in just 3 outings (average 11.33, economy 5.66) put her among the most in-form English bowlers. Awarded vice-captaincy for her red-hot streak and wicket-taking knack, she’s expected to play a major role and multiply fantasy returns.
Trent Bridge is renowned for its true bounce, quick outfield, and the occasional assistance for seamers under lights. Historically, it has produced high-scoring T20Is, but also rewards bowlers who can swing the new ball or use variations smartly. Expect both captains to factor in the pitch dynamics and overhead conditions when shaping their XIs and strategies.
This Fantasy XI is formed with a sharp focus on form, career stats, and the unique challenge posed by Trent Bridge. Make sure to lock in your teams before 7 PM IST and stay tuned for a blockbuster series opener between two of women’s cricket’s modern heavyweights.
