England Levels Series Against India in Rain-Affected ODI

LONDON: In the second ODI played at Lord’s on Saturday, England secured an eight-wicket victory over India via the DLS method. This win ties the three-match series at 1-1. Sophie Ecclestone delivered a standout bowling performance, while Amy Jones provided stability during the chase with an assured, undefeated innings.

The match was impacted by rain, leading to the application of the DLS method. Due to consistent rainfall, both innings were shortened to 29 overs.

England’s captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, won the coin toss and chose to bowl first, a choice that proved advantageous as her bowling unit showcased both control and accuracy.

India faced difficulties in building momentum, ultimately scoring 143/8 in their allotted 29 overs. Smriti Mandhana was the highest scorer for the Indian side, contributing 42 runs off 51 deliveries, which included five boundaries.

Deepti Sharma added a composed 30 runs from 34 balls, hitting two boundaries. However, the remaining Indian batters struggled, with six players failing to reach double digits.

Harleen Deol (16) and Arundhati Reddy (14) were the only other players to surpass the 10-run mark.

England’s bowling attack was spearheaded by left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who recorded figures of 3/27 in her six overs.

Linsey Smith and Em Arlott each claimed two wickets, while Charlie Dean took one.

Play was again halted due to rain during England’s innings, resulting in a revised target of 115 runs in 24 overs. The English team successfully chased the revised target in just 21 overs with eight wickets remaining.

Opener Amy Jones guided the innings with an unbeaten 46 from 57 balls, including five boundaries, leading her team to victory with composure.

Tammy Beaumont offered valuable support, scoring a brisk 34 off 35 balls, also hitting five fours. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 21 from 25 balls, while Sophia Dunkley remained unbeaten on nine.

India’s bowlers struggled to make a significant impact. Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana each managed to secure one wicket, but England’s batting performance was too strong.

Sophie Ecclestone received the Player of the Match award for her pivotal bowling performance.