A rain-hit contest at Lord’s turned into a forgettable outing for India Women as England Women registered a comprehensive eight-wicket victory via the DLS Method to level the three-match ODI series 1-1 on Saturday.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur didn’t mince words after the defeat, admitting her side’s batting failed to rise to the occasion.
We didn’t bat well today. Credit to England – they didn’t give us any chance to settle. The toss was crucial, and conditions were challenging, but we still could’ve done better.
England’s bowlers, led by Sophie Ecclestone, made the most of the overcast conditions. Ecclestone returned with impressive figures of 3 for 27, while Em Arlott (2-26) and Linsey Smith (2-28) kept India under constant pressure. India limped to 143/8 in their allotted 29 overs after rain delayed the start and shortened the match.
Smriti Mandhana top-scored with a fluent 42, but the middle-order collapse saw India reeling at 72/5. Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 30 and a cameo from Arundhati Reddy (14) helped India avoid complete capitulation, but the total was well below par.
In reply, England were off to a confident start with Amy Jones (46* off 50 balls) and Tammy Beaumont (34) adding 54 for the first wicket. A brief fightback saw Sneh Rana trap Beaumont lbw, while Kranti Goud dismissed England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt for 21.
Rain intervened once more with England comfortably placed at 101/1. The target was revised to 115 from 24 overs, which the hosts chased down with three overs to spare. Jones was ably supported by Sophia Dunkley (9*), taking England to 116/2.
Funny old game, isn’t it?. The bowlers bowled tighter lines today, and our openers put India under real pressure. There’s always room to improve, but I’m proud of the response from the team.
Earlier in the day, England won the toss and put India in under heavy skies. The 50-over match was reduced to 29 overs a side after a long delay due to a wet outfield.
India’s top-order stuttered early. Debutant Pratika Rawal fell for 3, playing across the line to a pinpoint yorker from Arlott. The middle-order failed to hold, with Harmanpreet (7), Jemimah Rodrigues (3), and Richa Ghosh (2) departing cheaply.
Despite some late resistance, the target proved too modest against an England side that looked far more composed and clinical in every department.
The series now moves to Durham for the decider on Sunday, with both teams eager to claim the honours.
Brief Scores: India Women 143/8 in 29 overs (Smriti Mandhana 42, Deepti Sharma 30*; Sophie Ecclestone 3/27, Em Arlott 2/26, Linsey Smith 2/28) lost to England Women 116/2 in 21 overs (Amy Jones 46*, Tammy Beaumont 34; Sneh Rana 1/12, Kranti Goud 1/28). Result: England Women won by 8 wickets via DLS Method; series levelled 1–1.
