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🇮🇳 India Secure Series Opener Win with All-Round Performance Against England in ODI Thriller
India extended their dominance on the England tour with a composed and confident four-wicket victory in the first ODI of the series, chasing down a competitive 259-run target with 10 balls to spare. Deepti Sharma led the charge with an unbeaten half-century, backed by strong performances from Jemimah Rodrigues and the Indian bowling unit, especially spinners Sneh Rana and Kranti Goud.
🏏 England Falter Despite Dunkley’s Birthday Heroics
Middle Order Revival Rescues Hosts
After opting to bat first, England had a mixed day with the bat. They were rocked early by a fiery opening spell from Kranti Goud, who dismissed Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont with two sharp in-swingers. The latter’s wicket, initially ruled not out, was overturned via DRS — showcasing the young pacer’s growing prowess.
As the innings progressed, Emma Lamb and Nat Sciver-Brunt attempted to stabilize things, stringing together a few boundaries. However, spin once again turned out to be India’s strength. Sneh Rana, introduced just after the PowerPlay, struck in quick succession. She removed Lamb with a clever flighted delivery and followed it up with the big scalp of Sciver-Brunt, thanks to a spectacular catch by Rodrigues at mid-wicket.
With England on the back foot, Sophia Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards steadied the innings with a resilient 100+ partnership. Dunkley, celebrating her birthday, played a classy knock of 83, while Davidson-Richards added a valuable 53. Despite a few dropped chances by India, the English duo ensured the scoreboard kept ticking. Their efforts took the hosts to a respectable 258/6 in 50 overs, finishing strong with 49 runs in the final five overs.
🇮🇳 India Chase Smartly Despite Mid-Innings Hiccups
Rodrigues and Deepti Build Winning Stand
India’s chase got off to a measured start with Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal showing early promise. Mandhana impressed with stylish on-side flicks while Rawal’s backfoot punches displayed confidence. Together, they reached a milestone of 1000 partnership runs. However, England clawed back with key breakthroughs — Mandhana nicked behind, Rawal was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone, and Harleen Deol was run out due to a moment of carelessness.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal via DRS, after being initially adjudged not out, further tilted the match in England’s favor.
But a calm and calculated 90-run partnership between Deepti Sharma (62) and Jemimah Rodrigues (48)* rescued India. Rodrigues kept the tempo up with fluent drives and quick singles, while Deepti’s slog-sweep and composure stood out. A missed LBW review from England proved costly — ball tracking showed three reds but no appeal was made.
Although England picked up Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh in a short span, Deepti stayed firm and guided India home with Amanjot Kaur sealing the deal in the 49th over.
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🔗 Match Summary from ICC
