India began their three-match ODI series against England on a high note with a stunning four-wicket victory in Southampton, inspired by a mesmerising unbeaten innings by Deepti Sharma and valuable contributions by Sneh Rana. The win is India’s 11th in their last 12 ODIs—a commanding display that is symptomatic of their current dominance.
Pursuing 259, India were in an early plight but were stabilised by a calm 90-run partnership between Deepti Sharma (62*, three fours, 1 six) and Jemimah Rodrigues (48 off 54, 5 fours). Smriti Mandhana (28 off 24) and Pratika Rawal (36) laid the foundation for the pursuit before India collapsed to 124/4. That was when Sharma found her feet, producing a calm and calculated innings that changed the equation in India’s favour.
During the 90-run partnership, Deepti disclosed that she had set a target for herself of 5–6 runs per over to raise the stakes, practising sweep shots and even copying the one-handed six from Rishabh Pant’s repertoire. She finished by stating England’s conditions favoured her game, and she and Jemimah had plotted the chase during the stand.
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India’s bowlers had made an early push earlier. Kranti Goud sent Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones back to the pavilion to leave England at 20/2. Sneh Rana sent Emma Lamb and Nat Sciver-Brunt back, leaving England reeling at 97/4.
Deepti goes big, and it sails all the way! 💪
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While a fourth-wicket partnership by Sophia Dunkley (83) and Alice Davidson-Richards (53) salvaged the innings, India tightened the screws with disciplined bowling—Rana 2/31 and Goud 2/55—while Amanjot Kaur and Shree Charani also made contributions. This victory, achieved with 10 deliveries to go, indicates India’s growing maturity in constructing successful chases away from home.
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Deepti Sharma was complimented by Harmanpreet Kaur for her composure and strategic strike rotation, with England’s captain paying respect to India’s tactical supremacy. India now has the upper hand 1–0 in the series. Then the attention will shift to the second ODI, where England will attempt to correct their batting and fielding mistakes—a thrilling opening for India as they look for World Cup fitness.
