INDW vs ENGW 2026 1st T20I: Indian women cricket set to begin for upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 against hosts England in a 3-match T20I series starting at the County Ground in Chelmsford on Thursday.

Indian batters led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma will aim to regain top form ahead of their opening clash against Pakistan in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 on June 14. The team also received a major boost with Radha Yadav and Yastika Bhatia returning to full fitness after missing the South Africa series because of injuries.

Team India will also draw confidence from their memorable previous tour of England, where they registered their first-ever bilateral T20I series victory on English soil with a 3-2 triumph over the hosts.

What Harmanpreet Kaur said ahead of T20I series?

Speaking ahead of the series in Chelmsford, skipper Harmanpreet said the team enjoys playing in English conditions despite the challenge posed by the pitches.

"We love playing in England because of the weather conditions, which suit us quite well. The main challenge is adjusting to the pitches since we are not very used to them. But this series will definitely give us confidence and valuable experience before the T20 World Cup," Harmanpreet said during the pre-match press conference.

England eye strong momentum ahead of mega tournament

England, meanwhile, enter the series with strong momentum after a dominant performance against New Zealand. However, the hosts will miss regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is still recovering from a calf injury.

The English side will be strengthened by the return of experienced batter Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who rejoins the squad after the birth of her first child.

India, on the other hand, will be without Amanjot Kaur, who impressed during the previous England tour but is sidelined with a back injury. All-rounder Kashvee Gautam is also unavailable due to a knee injury.

England wicketkeeper Amy Jones acknowledged India's strengths and said the hosts are preparing carefully for the challenge. "When you play against India, you expect quality spin bowling and plenty of batting firepower as well. That's exactly what we are preparing ourselves for," Amy Jones said.

When will the first T20I between India Women and England Women be played in 2026?

The India Women vs England Women 2026 1st T20I match will take place on Thursday, May 28.