India’s women’s cricket team carried their red-hot T20I form into the ODI series, defeating England by four wickets in a tense opener at the Rose Bowl, Southampton. Building on their historic T20I series win, the Women in Blue put in an all-round team performance, highlighted by a stunning fielding moment from Jemimah Rodrigues that shifted the momentum at a crucial juncture.
Bowling first, India’s young quick Kranti Goud set the tone by snaring both England openers inside four overs. England looked to rebuild with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb’s gritty 71-run stand. It was in the 21st over, with England’s skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (41 off 52 balls) set, threatening to bat India out of the contest, Sneh Rana sensed an opportunity, looped in a teasing full delivery around middle, which Sciver-Brunt swung hard to the leg side, but just then the magic happened.
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur, always a tactical thinker, had just repositioned Jemimah Rodrigues to short midwicket after Smriti Mandhana missed a difficult chance at the same spot minutes earlier, and a few overs ago. The ball raced off Sciver-Brunt’s bat, low, flat, dipping. Jemimah, crouched and sharply focused, launches herself forward, stretching every sinew. Her hands, mere inches off the turf, pouch the ball cleanly, an athletic effort that brings the Rose Bowl crowd and her teammates to their feet.
That catch didn’t just send back England’s most dangerous batter; it electrified the Indian side and smashed open the contest at a pivotal moment. Suddenly, England slumped to 97 for 4, losing their momentum, and India never looked back.
The innings was revived by Alice Davidson-Richards and Sophia Dunkley (birthday girl, top-scoring with 83), pushing England to 258/6. Rana, Goud, and Amanjot Kaur impressed with their spell discipline, ensuring the hosts didn’t get away.
India’s chase wobbled after a bright opening, with regular wickets threatening to derail their pursuit. After Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s positive start, England chipped away, but impactful contributions through the middle order and a composed, unbeaten 62 from Deepti Sharma ensured India crossed the line with 10 balls to spare. Amanjot Kaur’s calm 20* finished things off in style, enabling India an early lead in the three-match ODI series.
From statement catches to composed chases, the women’s ODI series between these two strongly competitive sides has begun with intensity and flair. Don’t miss a single moment as the series heads to its crucial next contest at the iconic venue at Lord’s, London on 19th July 2025, from 3:30 PM IST.
