Deepti Sharma Leads India to Thrilling Victory Over England in ODI Series Opener

India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match women’s ODI series against England with a composed four-wicket win at The Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday. Chasing a competitive 259 on a pitch where the average first-innings score hovers around 202, the Women in Blue delivered their second-highest successful chase in ODI history, completing the task with 10 balls to spare.

Central to the victory was Deepti Sharma, whose unbeaten 62 off 64 balls anchored India through a nervy middle phase. Supported by Jemimah Rodrigues (48) and a late cameo from Amanjot Kaur (20 off 14), Deepti helped India recover from a shaky start to secure a memorable win.

India’s chase began confidently, with openers Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal adding 48 for the first wicket. However, momentum shifted quickly. Mandhana’s dismissal triggered a brief collapse. Rawal was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone soon after, and a mix-up between the wickets led to Harleen Deol’s run-out, placing India in early trouble.

With regular wickets disrupting rhythm, it was the partnership between Deepti and Jemimah—worth 90 runs—that proved decisive. Their composed stand not only rebuilt the innings but also brought the required run rate under control. Once Rodrigues fell short of her half-century, Amanjot stepped in, striking crucial boundaries to seal the chase in the 49th over.

Earlier, England won the toss and elected to bat, welcoming back captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. India struck early, thanks to an impressive debut from Kranti Goud, who removed both openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones inside the PowerPlay.

Sciver-Brunt (37) and Emma Lamb attempted to steady the innings with a 71-run third-wicket stand, but off-spinner Sneh Rana brought India back into the contest with two quick breakthroughs, removing both batters.

The hosts found their strongest partnership through Sophia Dunkley (83) and Alice Davidson-Richards (53), who added 106 runs for the fifth wicket. A late flourish from Ecclestone pushed England to 258 for 8 in their 50 overs, a total that looked solid but ultimately fell short.

With this win, India not only took the upper hand in the series but also showcased growing depth in their batting lineup and resilience under pressure, key ingredients as they aim for a rare ODI series win on English soil.