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In a captivating start to the three-match ODI series between England and India, Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. secured a hard-fought four-wicket victory over the English Women in the first game at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
The match, played under clear skies after England Women opted to bat first upon winning the toss, delivered a nail-biting contest that saw momentum swing back and forth, ultimately culminating in India’s triumph with eight balls to spare. While Deepti Sharma’s composed unbeaten half-century anchored the chase, it was a moment of sheer brilliance in the field by Jemimah Rodrigues that truly set the tone for India’s dominant performance.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ aerial acrobacy stuns England
The turning point in England’s innings arrived in the 20th over, delivered by the in-form Sneh Rana. England’s captain and a well-set batter, Nat Sciver-Brunt, was looking dangerous, having already notched up 41 runs off 52 balls, including five boundaries. Rana, who was enjoying a dream spell, tossed up a delivery onto middle stump. Sciver-Brunt, attempting to clip it slightly uppishly, found herself undone by the flight and turn. What followed was a moment of athletic brilliance that will undoubtedly be replayed for years to come. Jemimah Rodrigues, who had just been strategically repositioned from covers to short mid-wicket, reacted with lightning speed. Leaping to her left, she plucked the ball out of the air with a stunning one-handed catch, dismissing the crucial English captain. The dismissal of Sciver-Brunt for 41 runs, thanks to Rodrigues’ “worldie,” significantly dented England’s progress and injected a palpable surge of confidence into the Indian camp.
Here’s the video:
Rodrigues' Sharp Reflex⚡
A low dive at short mid-wicket and Rodrigues pulls off a blinder inches from the turf.
Crucial runs saved, but will it be enough? Stream the chase LIVE on FanCode 📲#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/tvQkIsp3he
— FanCode (@FanCode) July 16, 2025
Prior to this pivotal moment, England built a solid foundation. Opener Sophia Dunkley was the chief architect of their innings, crafting a magnificent 83 runs, while Alice Davidson Richards provided valuable support with a well-made 53. Their contributions ensured England posted a competitive total of 258 for 6 in their allotted 50 overs. However, the Indian bowlers, particularly Sneh Rana (2/31) and Kranti Goud (2/55), chipped away at the English batting line-up, preventing them from running away with the game. Rodrigues’ spectacular catch was not just a wicket; it was a psychological blow that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favour, restricting England to a chaseable target despite their strong start.
India’s measured chase seals victory
Chasing 259 for victory, India’s innings was characterized by a blend of cautious accumulation and timely aggression. The chase was spearheaded by a magnificent unbeaten 62 from Deepti Sharma, who displayed immense composure under pressure, guiding India home with a calm head. While Sharma held one end, contributions from other batters were crucial. Rodrigues, fresh from her heroics in the field, also made a significant impact with the bat, scoring a vital 48 runs, setting a strong platform for the middle order. Her innings, though not a half-century, was instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking and absorbing early pressure.
England’s bowlers, led by Charlie Dean (2/52) and Sophie Ecclestone (1/34), tried their best to break through the Indian batting line-up, taking wickets at regular intervals to keep the contest alive. However, the partnerships built by the Indian batters, especially the one involving Deepti Sharma, proved resilient. As the innings progressed, India maintained a steady run rate, ensuring the required rate never spiraled out of control. The team managed to navigate the tricky middle overs and accelerate when needed, ultimately reaching the target of 262 for 6 in 48.4 overs.
Also WATCH: Deepti Sharma’s stunning one-handed six lights up India’s record run chase against England
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
