Bristol: England women spoiled Mithali Raj’s joy of becoming only the second cricketer after Sachin Tendulkar to complete 22 years in ODIs, by romping to an eight-wicket win in the first of the three-match series on Sunday.
Mithali’s 72, which took India women to 201/8 in 50 overs, went in vain as home batters Tammy Beaumont (87 not out) and Natalie Sciver (74 not out) took England to a 1-0 lead. Both Tammy and Natalie added 117 for the third wicket against an insipid Indian bowling attack.
While opener Tammy hammered 12 fours and a six, Natalie hit 10 fours and one six as Indians struggled to make breakthroughs after an early wicket within the first five overs. Earlier, the 38-year-old senior Indian pro’s 108-ball knock had helped save India the blushes.
After England had won the toss and elected to bowl, Indian women lost dashing openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana early. India were 27/2 in the 10th over. Mithali stitched a 56-run partnership with Punam Raut (32) for the third wicket and a 65-run partnership with Deepti Sharma (30) for the fifth wicket.
For England women, pacers Katherine Brunt and Anya Shrubsole took two wickets each while left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the most successful bowler with 3/40.
Brief scores: Indian women 201/8 in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 72; Sophie Ecclestone 3/40) lost to England women 202/2 in 34.5 overs (Tammy Beaumont 87*, Natalie Sciver 74*) by eight wickets
