NEW DELHI: England emerged victorious against India in the first T20I of the three-match series, clinching a resounding 38-run win in a comprehensive display of cricketing prowess. The match, played on Wednesday, showcased England's dominance in all facets of the game, leaving India trailing in their wake.
Opting to bowl first, India struggled to contain England's aggressive batting lineup, allowing them to post an imposing total of 197 for 6. Despite Renuka Singh's commendable bowling effort, securing figures of 3/27, the rest of the Indian bowling unit faced challenges in containing the marauding English batters.
As it happened: India vs England
England's innings was highlighted by explosive fifties from Danni Wyatt and Natalie Sciver-Brunt, who orchestrated a record-breaking 138-run partnership for the third wicket. India, despite making early inroads with Singh's breakthroughs, failed to maintain the pressure, allowing England to dictate the latter part of the innings.
In pursuit of the challenging target, India faced an uphill battle, and their innings was marred by inconsistent performances. Shafali Verma emerged as the lone warrior, crafting a noteworthy 52 off 42 balls, showcasing her class with nine boundaries.
However, the rest of the Indian batting lineup struggled to build substantial partnerships, resulting in a final total of 158 for 6 in 20 overs.
1/10:1st T20I: England beat India by 38 runs
PTI
2/10:India vs England
<p>India were provided a rude reality check by England, which downed them by 38 runs in the first T20I at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday. </p>PTI
3/10:Renuka Thakur
<p>Jolted by a twin strike in the first over by seamer Renuka Thakur, England rode on the 137-run stand between Nat Sciver-Brunt (77) and Danni Wyatt (75) to put 197/6. </p>TNN
4/10:Renuka's double strike
<p>Renuka ripped apart England's top-order when she knocked off the stumps of Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey off the fourth and fifth deliveries of the match. </p>ANI
5/10:Match-winning stand
<p>Sciver-Brunt, in the company of Wyatt punished India's listless bowling, with Renuka Thakur (3-27 in four overs), being the sole exception. </p>PTI
6/10:The counter-attack
<p>Both Sciver-Brunt and Wyatt used the crease brilliantly, to launch a blistering counter-attack on India's largely inexperienced bowling. </p>TNN
7/10:Pooja Vastrakar
<p>To make matters worse for India, Pooja Vastrakar grassed a sitter that Wyatt offered at long-on off Shreyanka in the 12th over. </p>PTI
8/10:Shreyanka Patil
<p>England lost four wickets in the final five overs, but 'keeper-bat Amy Jones (23) struck two fours and a six off the last over of the innings by debutant Shreyanka Patil. </p>PTI
9/10:Sophie Ecclestone
<p>Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (3/15) dismissed Shafali Varma (52) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (26) to snuff the life out of hosts' chase. </p>PTI
10/10:Smriti Mandhana
<p>Sciver-Brunt also took the wicket of Smriti Mandhana (6) in the third over with one that moved in, as the batter tried to smash the ball out of the park. </p>PTIEngland's spinners, led by the exceptional Sophie Ecclestone (3/15), played a pivotal role in restricting India's chase. Ecclestone accounted for key wickets, including Shafali, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Kanika Ahuja, derailing India's hopes of mounting a successful pursuit.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (26) and Richa Ghosh (21) failed to convert promising starts into substantial contributions, contributing to India's inability to keep pace with the required run rate. England's disciplined fielding and clinical execution of plans in the second innings further cemented their control over the match.
The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the series, putting India in a challenging position for the upcoming matches. The team will need a collective and improved performance in both batting and bowling departments to stage a comeback in the series.
The second T20I promises an intriguing battle as India seeks redemption and England aim to maintain their dominance in the series.
(With inputs from PTI)
