Daijiworld Media Network- Southampton

Southampton, Jul 17: Powered by a gritty half-century from Deepti Sharma and a clinical spell by all-rounder Sneh Rana, India secured a convincing four-wicket win against England in the first Women’s ODI at Southampton on Thursday. With this victory, India has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, England were rocked early as Indian pacer Kranti Goud struck twice, dismissing openers Tammy Beaumont (5) and Amy Jones (1), reducing the hosts to 20/2.

A brief recovery came through a 71-run partnership between Emma Lamb (39) and skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (41), but Sneh Rana’s double breakthrough derailed the momentum, leaving England at 97/4.

Sophia Dunkley (83 off 92 balls) and Davidson Richards (53 off 73) steadied the innings with a century stand for the fifth wicket, while Sophie Ecclestone’s unbeaten 23 guided England to a competitive total of 258/6 in their 50 overs.

Rana (2/31) and Goud (2/55) were the pick of the bowlers, while Amanjot Kaur and Shree Charani chipped in with one wicket each.

In reply, Indian openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana gave a brisk start with a 48-run stand. Mandhana scored a quick 28 off 24 balls, while Rawal added 36 off 51. Harleen Deol (27) supported well before India suffered a mini-collapse, losing three wickets in quick succession to slump to 124/4.

Jemimah Rodrigues (48) and Deepti Sharma stitched a vital 87-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steady the chase. After Jemimah’s dismissal, Richa Ghosh fell cheaply, but Deepti remained composed, guiding India home with an unbeaten 62 off 64 balls. Amanjot Kaur’s quickfire 20* off 14 balls ensured India reached the target with 10 balls to spare.

Charlie Dean was England’s most successful bowler with figures of 2/52, while Kate Cross, Ecclestone, and Lauren Filer picked up one wicket each.

With this win, India will head into the second ODI with momentum firmly on their side.