India has only two series, comprising six ODIs, to refine their combinations and address any shortcomings before beginning their home ODI World Cup campaign in less than three months. The victory in the first ODI against England provided an encouraging look at India’s increasing squad depth and the effectiveness of their backup plans.
Building on the momentum from their T20I series win, India kicked off the ODI leg with a solid four-wicket victory over England to take a 1-0 lead. Chasing 259, Deepti Sharma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62, supported well by Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed 48. However, it was the bowling duo of Kranti Goud (2 for 55) and Sneh Rana (2 for 31) that laid the foundation for the win. Earlier, Sophia Dunkley (83) and Alice Davidson-Richards (53) guided England to a competitive total after recovering from 97 for 4.
India made an early breakthrough with Goud dismissing Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont. England responded with a counterattack, as Nat Sciver-Brunt and Emma Lamb hit four boundaries in the closing overs of the powerplay.
The introduction of spin didn’t stop the flow of runs as Sciver-Brunt and Lamb brought up a 50-run stand. But Rana broke the partnership, drawing Lamb into a mistimed shot to mid-off. She then removed Sciver-Brunt in her next over. Dunkley and Davidson-Richards then steadied England’s innings, weathering a quiet phase before accelerating again.
Dunkley reached her half-century on her birthday, and Davidson-Richards followed soon after. The final five overs yielded 49 runs, with Dunkley leading the charge before falling to Amanjot Kaur on the last ball of the innings.
In reply, India made a steady start. Smriti Mandhana looked fluent and, along with her opening partner, Pratika Rawal, impressed with her timing. The duo crossed 1000 partnership runs together before Mandhana edged behind against the run of play. Rawal and Harleen Deol continued the momentum, but England fought back. Ecclestone eventually cleaned up Rawal, while Deol was run out in a lapse of judgement. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal LBW to Charlie Dean added pressure.
India regained control through a crucial 90-run stand between Rodrigues and Deepti. England missed a key opportunity when they chose not to review a delivery that struck Deepti on the thigh pad. Ball-tracking later showed three reds. England did manage to take two quick wickets, removing Rodrigues (48) and Richa Ghosh, but Deepti (62*) held firm. Alongside Amanjot Kaur (20*) she finished the job with 10 balls to spare, guiding India to a 1-0 series lead.
After another win on the England tour, the BCCI Women handle shared a video on X, capturing the moments following the victory. In a conversation with her fellow off-spinner Sneh Rana, the Player of the Match, Deepti Sharma, said she was feeling really good, especially because she enjoys challenging situations where the team needs to fight back.
Reflecting on her innings, she said she enjoyed the batting and the partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues. She added that it was crucial for them to take the game deep, and both were on the same page with their approach. They planned on getting to see 5-6 runs in each over and focused on building a partnership. She said it was the same setup, the same mindset, and they were able to deliver on it.
Jemimah Rodrigues also joined in and said both of them (Deepti and Sneh) were like match winners for the team today. She added that the way Sneh Rana bowled was particularly impressive. She said that coming into the match, she knew it was not easy. However, she praised the way the bowler performed, highlighting how she consistently proves her value and shows that she is a match-winner for the team. She concluded by congratulating her on a job well done.
Jemimah asked Rana what she was thinking while coming in today. Rana replied, “My plan was just that I couldn’t deliver in the last few matches. So, I had a competition with myself today. And I challenged myself. And I discussed some things with my bowling coach that what can I do on this pitch. So, that worked in the practice sessions. And today, finally, I delivered it.”
Sneh Rana also praised Jemimah’s batting and highlighted the crucial partnership she and Deepti built, which ultimately guided India to victory. The batter who scored the crucial 48 said they always have a partnership and do a lot of work together in the nets. Although they don’t often bat together during practice, Deepti and she usually bat together during matches, where they consistently build strong partnerships.
She further mentioned, “I think when Deepti came in, we were at a very crucial position, you know. It was like anything could happen. But I think the way she came in, and she just absorbed the pressure along with me, and we were just talking about how we can build a partnership by keeping things simple. Think of every ball, and loose balls were a bonus. And try to keep it like six runs and over, or seven runs and over. Without doing anything. I think that is exceptional. Dipti has dived three times. The way she ran was crazy today.”
Although India appeared a bit sloppy in the field during the first One-Day International, Jemimah took an excellent catch to dismiss Nat Sciver-Brunt off Sneh Rana’s bowling. Talking about the brilliant catch, Jemimah said she had in mind that if she gets even half a chance, she will give her all to take it. She added that this time her intent was right, and she believes it was a moment of luck that the catch came her way. The catch proved to be a crucial turning point, as England’s dangerous captain was dismissed early without causing much damage.
The trio also talked about Deepti’s one-handed slog-sweep off pacer Lauren Bell into the deep midwicket stands. Rana termed it as a ‘crazy six’. Deepti said, “I was thinking that as soon as she gives one ball, if it’s in my range, I’ll hit it.” Her batting partner at the time, Jemimah Rodrigues, was surprised when Deepti hit a one-handed six off Lauren Bell. Praising her teammate, Jemimah said it was one of the best shots of the series so far.
India will now face the hosts at the iconic Lord’s in London on July 19. With a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, Team India will be aiming for a win to secure an unassailable advantage.
