India Women made a commanding start to their three-match T20I series against England, registering a convincing 38-run victory at the County Cricket Ground in Chelmsford on Thursday to take a 1-0 lead.
The win was built on a remarkable recovery with the bat after an early collapse and a disciplined bowling performance led by debutant Nandni Sharma, who marked her international debut with an impressive three-wicket haul.
England captain won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that appeared justified immediately. Lauren Bell struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Smriti Mandhana with the first ball of the match before removing Shafali Verma five deliveries later. India found itself in deep trouble at seven for two after just one over.
However, Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues transformed the innings with an outstanding partnership. The pair counterattacked from the outset, punishing loose deliveries and keeping the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace. Their efforts powered India to its highest-ever PowerPlay score in T20 internationals, highlighted by a 27-run over against Issy Wong.
The duo added 126 runs for the third wicket, laying the foundation for a formidable total. Yastika reached her half-century before being run out for 50 from 40 balls, ending a crucial innings that steadied India after the disastrous start. Jemimah continued her fluent strokeplay and top-scored with 69 off 40 deliveries before Charlie Dean dismissed her during the 14th over.
India briefly lost momentum as Richa Ghosh and Bharti Fulmali were unable to make significant contributions. Deepti Sharma then provided a valuable late boost, scoring 22 from just 13 balls to help India post 188 runs despite England’s efforts to slow the scoring rate in the closing overs.
In reply, England’s chase never fully gathered momentum. Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey fell early to Kranti Gaud, leaving the hosts under pressure. Amy Jones and Heather Knight rebuilt the innings with a 64-run partnership, but the increasing required run rate made the task difficult.
Knight departed for 22, while Jones fought hard with a well-made 67 from 48 deliveries. Her dismissal in the 16th over proved decisive. Nandni Sharma struck twice in quick succession, removing Jones and Dani Gibson on consecutive deliveries to extinguish England’s hopes.
The debutant finished with figures of 3 for 34, playing a central role in restricting England to 150 for eight. With a comfortable victory secured, India heads into the second T20I in Bristol on May 30 with confidence and a valuable series advantage.
