India delivered a strong performance, overcoming England by four wickets in the first one-day international held in Southampton. Chasing a target of 259 runs, India’s Deepti Sharma played a crucial role, finishing with an unbeaten 62, which facilitated their victory with 10 balls remaining.
Although England provided a glimmer of hope by dismissing Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh in quick succession—leaving India needing 24 runs from 27 balls—it was Amanjot Kaur’s calm demeanor that secured the win for the visitors, as she contributed 20 not out, marking India’s second-highest chase in ODIs.
However, England’s fielding displayed noticeable shortcomings, and they missed an opportunity to review a leg-before-wicket decision against Sharma when she was at 40, a decision that may have changed the game’s momentum.
For England, this series is significant as they aim to build confidence with three additional matches before the upcoming World Cup in India. Despite the loss, there were bright spots, particularly Sophia Dunkley’s well-crafted 83 from 92 balls and Alice Davidson-Richards’ contribution of 53, which stabilized an innings that had faltered at 97-4.
The opening partnership struggled, with Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones dismissed early by young bowler Kranti Goud. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb put together a promising 71-run partnership for the third wicket before falling in quick succession to Sneh Rana. Dunkley and Davidson-Richards anchored the innings well with a solid partnership of 106 runs, but despite a late push that added 36 runs in the final three overs, England could not accelerate in time, finishing with five wickets still in hand.
The series continues with the next match set for Saturday at Lord’s, where England will be eager to bounce back and make a statement ahead of the World Cup.