India has taken an early lead in the ODI series against England, thanks to a remarkable run-chase spearheaded by Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Deepti Sharma’s Masterclass in Chase
Chasing a challenging target of 259, India found themselves in a tricky spot at 124/4. This is when Deepti Sharma stepped up, delivering one of her finest career knocks.
She scored an unbeaten 62 runs off just 64 balls, anchoring a crucial 90-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues. Rodrigues, impressive once again at No. 5, provided vital support.
A spirited cameo of 20 runs from 14 balls by Amanjot Kaur in the final stages ensured India reached the target with 10 balls to spare, securing an impressive victory to open the three-match series.
England’s Innings: A Story of Recovery
Earlier in the day, England, after opting to bat first, faced early setbacks. Young Indian seamer Kranti Goud made a strong impression, picking up two crucial wickets upfront, including her first international wicket.
However, Sophia Dunkley’s unbeaten 83 runs off 92 balls, combined with Alice Davidson-Richards’ 53, helped England post a respectable total of 258 for six. Their 106-run partnership for the fifth wicket was vital after England had stumbled to 97 for four.
Off-spinner Sneh Rana also played a key role for India, bagging two wickets (2/31), continuing her good form in the ODI side. Despite some dropped catches by India, which could have restricted England further, the visitors managed to keep the target within reach.
The Indian Chase: Bumps and Breakthroughs
India’s chase began promisingly with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal building a solid foundation. Their opening partnership continued its impressive record, crossing 1000 runs in just 21 matches.
However, Mandhana’s dismissal led to a period of slow scoring and quick wickets. Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol struggled to find momentum, and a mini-collapse saw India lose set batters and captain Harmanpreet Kaur relatively quickly.
It was then that Deepti and Jemimah took charge, steadying the innings and steering India towards victory. Deepti’s highlight was a powerful six over mid-wicket, the only maximum of the match, showcasing her confidence and power.
Key Takeaways
- Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 62 was instrumental in India’s victory.
- Jemimah Rodrigues provided crucial support with a well-made half-century.
- Young Kranti Goud impressed with two early wickets for India.
- Sophia Dunkley’s unbeaten 83 anchored England’s innings.
- India successfully chased down 259 with 10 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 series lead.
This thrilling win sets an exciting tone for the rest of the series, as India looks to maintain its winning momentum.
