India’s muddled batting display cost them dearly in the rain-hit second One Day International at Lord’s, allowing England to level the series 1-1.
India’s Batting Woes Unfold
The match, reduced to 29 overs per side due to rain, saw India struggle to find any rhythm after being asked to bat first. Despite the shortened format suggesting an aggressive T20-like approach, India’s innings never truly took off.
The early overs set a cautious tone. Opener Pratika Rawal was dismissed quickly, followed by Harleen Deol who struggled to score freely. India managed a mere 25 runs for one wicket in the crucial six-over powerplay, a period usually exploited for quick runs.
As England’s spinners came into play, India’s struggles compounded. Key batters like Harleen, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur all fell cheaply, often caught softly. India found themselves reeling at 72 for 5, unable to build significant partnerships.
Only Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma showed some resilience, adding much-needed runs to give the total some respectability. However, even their efforts were marred by late-innings confusion, including poor running between the wickets.
Post-match, Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “We didn’t bat well today, we could have done better on this pitch,” she stated, admitting to numerous mistakes and a clear need for improvement ahead of the decider.
England’s Controlled Chase
In stark contrast to India’s innings, England approached their chase with clear intent. Their openers started strongly, finding boundaries early and ensuring they were always ahead of the required run rate.
Despite India’s bowlers trying to keep things tight in the middle overs, they couldn’t secure the cluster of wickets needed to put pressure on England. The English batters remained in control, steadily inching towards their target.
A rain interruption after 18.4 overs paused play, with England cruising at 116 for 2. Once play resumed, with the innings further reduced to 24 overs, England quickly sealed the victory, reaching the revised target with ease.
A Controversial Moment at Lord’s
The match also featured a significant talking point: an appeal for “obstructing the field” against England opener Tammy Beaumont. As Beaumont returned to the crease, she appeared to kick the ball away, leading to an Indian appeal.
The incident drew comparisons to the controversial “Mankad” run-out at Lord’s in 2022 involving Deepti Sharma and Charlie Dean. Despite India’s strong case under the letter of the law, the third umpire ruled Beaumont not out, allowing her to continue batting.
- India’s batting performance was largely ineffective, managing only 143/8 in 29 overs.
- England chased down the revised target of 116 with eight wickets in hand after a rain delay.
- A controversial “obstructing the field” appeal against Tammy Beaumont was turned down.
With the series now tied, both teams will look to address their strengths and weaknesses as they head into the decisive final ODI.
