India began their ODI campaign in England on a winning note with a gritty four-wicket victory in the first Women’s ODI at Southampton. The match, played on July 16, saw all-round brilliance from Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, who played vital roles in India’s successful run chase of 259, giving the visitors a 1–0 lead in the three-match series.
England, after winning the toss, opted to bat first and posted a competitive total of 258 for 6. The hosts were off to a rocky start, losing early wickets with Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones falling cheaply. However, a composed partnership between Sophia Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards steadied the innings. Dunkley top-scored with a fluent 83 off 92 balls, while Davidson-Richards added 53 in a crucial 106-run stand for the third wicket. Despite their platform, England’s middle order couldn’t accelerate as expected in the final 10 overs.
India’s bowling unit was disciplined, with Sneh Rana emerging as the standout performer. The off-spinner turned the game with her spell in the middle overs, dismissing both Emma Lamb and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who were beginning to settle. Her economical 10-over spell yielded 2 for 31 and played a big role in limiting England’s total. Kranti Goud also contributed with two wickets, while the fielding unit maintained pressure throughout the innings.
India’s chase started on a positive note with an opening partnership of 48 between Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal. However, wickets at regular intervals dented the momentum. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol were dismissed cheaply, leaving India in a precarious position at 124 for 4.
It was then that Deepti Sharma took charge of the innings. Batting with maturity and calmness, she anchored the chase with an unbeaten 62 off 64 balls. Her innings was a perfect blend of strike rotation and timely boundaries, including a commanding six over mid-wicket that underlined her confidence. Partnering with Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed a solid 48, Deepti built a crucial 90-run stand that turned the tide in India’s favour.
Even after Rodrigues was dismissed, and Richa Ghosh fell soon after, Deepti held her nerve. She found support from Amanjot Kaur, who finished things off with an aggressive 20 not out off just 14 balls. India reached the target with 10 balls to spare, sealing a memorable win on English soil.
This victory marks India’s second-highest successful ODI chase in England and extends their winning streak to five consecutive ODIs against England away from home. It also highlights the growing depth and resilience in the Indian side, particularly in pressure situations.
The second ODI is scheduled to take place at Lord’s, where India will look to carry forward the momentum and seal the series. With Deepti and Rana showing their class and temperament under pressure, the team appears well-poised for continued success in the ongoing tour.