England Women produced a clinical performance at Lord’s to defeat India by eight wickets in the rain-affected second ODI and level the three-match series 1–1. The win was anchored by a composed, unbeaten innings from Amy Jones, who guided her side home after a strong bowling effort had restricted India to a below-par total.
After heavy rain delayed the start of play by nearly four hours, the match was reduced to 29 overs per side. India, batting first, struggled to find momentum against a disciplined English bowling unit. Sophie Ecclestone starred with the ball, taking three key wickets and breaking India’s backbone in the middle overs. She was well-supported by Emma Arlott and Linsey Smith, who chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
India managed to post just 143 for eight from their 29 overs. Smriti Mandhana looked in fine touch early on, scoring 42 with some elegant boundaries, while Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 30, helping India add some late resistance. However, the visitors were never able to build substantial partnerships, and wickets at regular intervals kept the pressure on.
Chasing a revised target of 115 in 24 overs under the DLS method, England got off to a steady start with Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones putting together a 54-run stand for the first wicket. Beaumont scored 34 before falling to Sneh Rana, but her knock had already laid the foundation. Jones took over from there, showcasing maturity and calm in tricky conditions.
With the pitch offering some assistance to spinners, India looked to build pressure in the middle overs. However, Jones countered it well, rotating strike and punishing the loose deliveries. She remained unbeaten on 46 off 57 balls and ensured there were no further hiccups. Sophia Dunkley struck the winning boundary to seal the game with three overs to spare, taking England to 116 for two.
This win was significant for England, as it was their first ODI victory over India at Lord’s in over 15 years. It also underlined their depth and ability to recover from setbacks, having lost the first ODI. Amy Jones, with her composed knock, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
From India’s perspective, the match exposed concerns around their batting depth and middle-order stability. The failure to convert starts into big scores, coupled with the inability to adapt quickly to the conditions, cost them dearly. While their bowlers fought hard, the modest total offered little room for error.
Looking ahead, the series decider on July 22 in Durham promises to be a thrilling contest. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance, and the pressure will be on to deliver in the final match. England will hope to carry this momentum forward, while India will look to bounce back strongly and take the series in what has been a competitive and closely-fought battle between two top sides in women’s cricket.