Indian eves thrash England by 66 runs in first ODI
Mithali Raj-led Indian women's cricket team emerged victorious against England in the first ODI held at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Friday. In a low-scoring affair, batting first, India were bowled out for a paltry score of 202. In reply, the world champions folded for just 136. Ekta Bisht picked up 4/25 to down English women. Here is the match report.
India lose wickets in heap to surrender momentum
India got off to a stellar start after Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana added 69 runs for the first wicket. From there on, India were reduced to 95/5 as English women dominated the proceedings. However, skipper Mithali Raj scored a patient 74-ball 44-run knock to help India get to 200-run mark. Jhulan Goswami (30) and Taniya Bhatia (25) played supporting roles.
England batswomen struggle after solid performance with the ball
England struggled to build partnerships from the start. The only bright moment was the 73-run stand between Heather Knight (39*) and Natalie Sciver (44). Once Sciver got out, Ekta's brilliance with the ball helped Indian eves to keep things under control. She ran through the lower order. From 111/3, England could only manage another 25 runs for seven wickets.
Indian bowlers have been magnificent
3 - 3 of the 5 highest wicket-takers in ODIs since the start of 2017 play for India; Poonam Yadav (46), Ekta Bisht (46) and Shikha Pandey (42). Unit. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/0aPbNpd2nn
— OptaJim (@OptaJim) February 22, 2019
Bisht races to 88 ODI scalps
Bisht now has 88 ODI wickets to her name. She went past former Indian bowler Amita Sharma (86). She also equalled the likes of South Africa's Sune Luus and former Kiwi international Nicola Browne (88 ODI scalps).
