Chelmsford : India defeated England by 38 runs at County Ground, Chelmsford in 1st T20I with help of half centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia. Later in the innings, debutant Nandni Sharma and Kranti Gaud dismantled English innings.
Batting first, India lost both openers – skipper Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Varma in first over of the innings of Lauren Bell, on 7 runs.
However, Jemimah (69) and Yastika (54) turned the match in India’s favour with 126(76) runs stand. On one hand, Jemimah smashed 69(40) with a six and 10 boundaries, Yastika on the other hand scored 54 (40) with a six and 9 boundaries.
Both departed in 14th over of Charlie Dean. India soon faced collapse as they’re reduced to 148-6 in 17th over from 133-2.
Deepti Sharma ended the innings with short cameo of 22(13), comprising 4 boundaries at crucial stage as India finished with respectable total of 188/7 (20). Lauren Bell was key bowler for England as she picked 3/34.
Chasing 189, England never looked settled. Kranti Gaud dismissed both English openers inside powerplay to reduce them to 37/2. Rays of hopes sparked for England when Amy Jones (67) and Heather Knight (21) notched 64 runs partnership.
However, after the pair’s departure, Nandni Sharma (3/34) – including wicket of Amy Jones, Shree Charani (1/25) dismantled the middle order as England were restricted to 150/8 (20). Both teams will meet for 2nd T20I at Bristol on May 30. This series serves as vital preparation for ICC Women’s T20 WC 2026 in England and both sides will look to capitalize on this opportunity.
Jemimah Rodrigues was awarded Player of The Match for her heroic performance.
Brief Scorecard –
1st Innings :
INDW : 188-7 (20)
Jemimah Rodrigues : 69 (40)
Yastika Bhatia : 54 (40)
ENGW :
Lauren Bell : 4-34-3
2nd Innings :
ENGW : 150-8 (20)
Amy Jones : 67 (48)
INDW :
Nandni Sharma : 4-34-3
Result : India won by 38 runs.
