Lauren Filer Pushes Speed Limits in Thrilling T20I Win Over India

England fast bowler Lauren Filer continued her rapid rise in international cricket by clocking the fastest recorded over in women’s cricket, averaging 76mph during a pivotal spell in England’s narrow five-run win over India in the third T20I at The Oval on Friday.

Twice touching 79mph in her fourth over — the 16th of India’s chase — Filer rattled the Indian lineup with raw pace, capped by a fierce delivery that struck Richa Ghosh on the helmet and the crucial dismissal of Smriti Mandhana for 56. It was a match-turning performance that not only helped England stay alive in the five-match series but also underlined Filer’s growing status as a genuine pace spearhead in the women's game.

“Not to sound cocky, but I think I knew I could get close to 80,” said Filer after the match. “I’d been hitting 78 now and then last year, but Friday was about consistency, which is something I’ve been working really hard on.”

Filer’s consistency has been improving steadily — averaging 73mph at Trent Bridge, then 75mph in Bristol, before peaking at 76mph at The Oval. Her sights are now firmly set on breaking the 80mph (129kph) barrier, a feat achieved only once before in the women’s game by South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail, who bowled at 132.1kph (82.08mph) in the WPL after her international retirement.

“It’s not just about one ball hitting 80,” Filer said. “What matters is consistently bowling at that pace. If I can do that, maybe more women will aim for it too — and that’s the bigger goal. I don’t want to be the only one. We want fast bowling to be a force in the women’s game.”

Filer credits recent technical adjustments and a lengthened run-up, made after recovering from a knee injury earlier this year, for her improved rhythm. The changes have allowed her to bowl in better sync and "feel more in time".

“Bowling’s all about feel,” she explained. “Sometimes, when it doesn’t feel fast, it actually is — because it’s smooth, it’s in rhythm. That’s what I felt on Friday.”

A known tendency to tumble in her follow-through — seen during the Ashes — was again evident, but Filer dismissed concerns, noting that she's become adept at managing the awkward landings.

“Sometimes it’s the pitch, sometimes it’s just me,” she laughed. “I’ve kind of mastered the art of falling now — it hurts less!”

Filer’s impact on Friday was more than just pace. Her fourth over nearly produced a game-sealing moment, with a dropped catch off Harmanpreet Kaur, the wicket of Mandhana, and the blow to Ghosh, all in a fiery three-ball sequence. She finished with figures of 2 for 30, and her performance ensured England kept the series alive with India leading 2-1.

Filer isn’t alone in chasing the 80mph mark. Teammate Issy Wong voiced similar ambitions five years ago at age 17 and recently returned to the T20I fold after resolving issues with her rhythm. Wong, too, featured at The Oval, picking up 1 for 36 in her first outing of the series.

With the fourth T20I set to be played at Old Trafford on Wednesday — a must-win for England — the hosts will be hoping Filer continues to turn up the heat.

“I always check the speed numbers,” Filer said. “Not for bragging rights, but to see if I’m doing the technical things right. If I’m slower, something’s probably off. If bowling quick helps us win, then great — that’s the goal.”

Fast Facts:

Fastest Over in Women's Cricket: Filer averaged 76mph at The Oval, peaking at 79mph.
Series Standing: India lead 2-1 in the five-match T20I series.
Next Match: 4th T20I at Old Trafford, Wednesday (must-win for England).
Past Record: Shabnim Ismail holds the fastest recorded delivery at 132.1kph (82.08mph).

With rising stars like Filer and Wong leading the pace charge, England’s women’s team is reshaping perceptions of speed in the game — and proving that the future of fast bowling is not just fast, but thrilling.