India opened their England tour with a 38-run victory in the first T20I, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After being asked to bat first, India posted 188/7 before restricting England to 150/8.
India had a difficult start as stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman batter to be dismissed off the opening ball of a T20I. Lauren Bell struck immediately, with Charlie Dean’s field placement working perfectly as Mandhana was caught at short extra cover. In the same over, Shafali Verma also fell, holing out to mid-on while attempting a lofted drive.
Yastika and Jemimah Lead Recovery
Yastika Bhatia returned to the XI and counterattacked strongly. She targeted Issy Wong early, with the second over going for 27 runs, allowing Jemimah Rodrigues time to settle at the other end.
Yastika continued to dominate in the powerplay as India raced to 73/2 in six overs, their third-highest powerplay score in Women’s T20Is. She reached 40* off 17 balls during that phase but slowed after the field spread, adding only 14 from her next 23 deliveries before a mix-up led to her run-out.
Jemimah, who was later named Player of the Match, paced her innings well. She began with deft strokes and scoops before expanding her range through the off side and deep mid-wicket. She eventually made 69 off 40 balls before Dean completed a sharp return catch.
Deepti Provides Late Push
Richa Ghosh and Bharti Fulmali could not add much in the finishing phase. Richa became Tilly Corteen-Coleman’s first T20I wicket, while Wong also removed Bharti.
Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy then carried the responsibility of finishing the innings. Deepti produced a useful late flourish as India reached 188/7, helped by 21 extras from England.
Nandini Stars on Debut
England began their chase with Sophia Dunkley finding early boundaries against Arundhati, but Kranti Gaud removed both openers as the hosts ended the powerplay at 43/2.
Amy Jones was England’s main contributor at No. 3, playing a composed innings while wickets fell around her. Her dismissal gave Nandini Sharma her first international wicket, with Jones caught by Shafali at deep mid-wicket. In the same over, Nandini also removed Danielle Gibson.
Nandini used her slower ball effectively, continuing the skill that had impressed selectors during the Women’s Premier League. She later dismissed Wong to finish her debut with three wickets.
Arundhati recovered well after an expensive first over to finish with 0/23 from four overs, while N Sree Charani returned 1/25. India also conceded only three extras compared to England’s 21.
Sophie Ecclestone offered some late resistance, but England were already well behind the chase. India closed out the match comfortably and now travel to Bristol with a 1-0 series lead.
