In a thrilling contest at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team pulled off a stunning 4-wicket win against England Women in the first ODI of the three-match series. With this victory, India have taken a crucial 1-0 lead, powered by a composed and unbeaten knock from Deepti Sharma, who was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
England Set a Competitive Target
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England Women posted a respectable 258/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Sophia Dunkley anchored the innings with a brilliant 83 off 92 balls, showing her class and control throughout. Alice Davidson-Richards provided valuable middle-order support with a steady 53 from 73 balls, while Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed a handy 41 off 52 deliveries.
India’s bowlers, however, managed to restrict the English batters from truly exploding in the death overs. Sneh Rana stood out with her disciplined spell, returning figures of 2 for 31 in her 10 overs. Kranti Goud and Nallapureddy Charani also chipped in with crucial wickets, keeping the total within a chaseable range.
India’s Response: Grit and Grace Under Pressure
Chasing 259 for victory, the Indian innings began cautiously. While the top order showed glimpses of brilliance, it was the middle-order partnership that turned the game in India’s favour. Jemimah Rodrigues played a fluent knock of 48 off 54 balls, stabilizing the innings after early hiccups.
But it was Deepti Sharma who stole the show with a match-winning, unbeaten 62 off 64 balls. Calm under pressure and tactically astute, Deepti guided India through a tense run chase, ensuring they crossed the finish line with 10 balls to spare. She was well supported by debutant Pratika Rawal, who impressed with a composed 36 off 51 deliveries in a pressure situation.
Despite England’s efforts to claw back through Charlie Dean (2/52) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/34), India’s composure and depth in batting proved decisive.
What This Win Means
This victory sets the tone for the remainder of the series, giving India both momentum and confidence. With key players like Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Sneh Rana in form, India will now look to seal the series in the second ODI.
England, on the other hand, will be keen to bounce back after a missed opportunity, especially with their bowlers struggling to break crucial partnerships.
Looking Ahead
The second ODI is set to be a high-stakes encounter. While India will aim to build on this win and wrap up the series early, England will fight to level the series and force a decider.
Score Summary:
England Women: 258/6 in 50 overs
- Sophia Dunkley – 83 (92)
- Alice Davidson-Richards – 53 (73)
- Nat Sciver-Brunt – 41 (52)
- Sneh Rana – 2/31 (10)
- Kranti Goud – 2/55 (9)
India Women: 262/6 in 48.2 overs
- Deepti Sharma – 62* (64)
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 48 (54)
- Pratika Rawal – 36 (51)
- Charlie Dean – 2/52 (10)
- Sophie Ecclestone – 1/34 (10)
Result: India Women won by 4 wickets (10 balls remaining)
Series: India Women lead 1-0 in the 3-match ODI series
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma
