Deepti Sharma acknowledges Rishabh Pant for her one-handed six catch.
In an exhilarating match at Southampton, India Women secured a four-wicket win over England in the first ODI of the three-match series. The victory marks a 1-0 lead for India, setting the stage for an intriguing series.
England's bowlers Kate Cross, Ecclestone, and Lauren Filer managed to pick up one wicket each, but it was not enough to halt India's charge. The Indian batting lineup showed resilience, with Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana delivering a solid start with a 48-run stand.
However, it was Deepti Sharma who stole the show. Her unbeaten 62*, the highest score by an Indian batter coming in at No.6 or lower in a successful ODI chase, surpassed Veda Krishnamurthy's 52* against West Indies in 2016. This remarkable innings helped India achieve one of their highest successful ODI chases, winning by four wickets.
England had set a target of 262, thanks to notable performances from Sophia Dunkley (83) and Alice Davidson-Richards (53), along with Nat Sciver-Brunt's 41. After India's top order wobbled, Sharma formed a crucial partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues and later steered the chase with Amanjot Kaur, who contributed 20*(14) to secure the win.
Sharma's innings included a remarkable one-handed six off Lauren Bell, a shot she credited to men's cricket star Rishabh Pant, known for similar innovative strokes. Kranti Goud also played a pivotal role, reducing England to 20/2 in the first ODI, dismissing both openers quickly.
Sneh Rana, who bowled a fine spell in the same match, removed Lamb and Sciver Brunt, reducing England to 97/4. Charlie Dean was England's top bowler in the match with 2/52.
Deepti Sharma was named Player of the match for her performance in the first ODI. This victory marks India Women's 11th win in their last 12 ODIs, a sequence that started with the home series against the West Indies in December.
The second ODI of the series is scheduled for Sunday, June 19, promising another thrilling encounter between these two formidable teams.
Sports news reported Deepti Sharma's impressive 62* against England in the first ODI, securing a 1-0 lead for India with a four-wicket win. Her remarkable performance was also highlighted in the opinion section, with many analysts praising her as the star of the match.
