Tauranga: Inconsistency returned to haunt the India batters as they were bundled out for a meagre 134 by England, which chased down the target in 31.2 overs to record its first win in the tournament. For India, opener Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 35 (58 balls, 4 fours) while Richa Ghosh contributed 33 (56 balls, 5 fours).
In its chase, England too made a stuttering start, losing openers Danielle Wyatt (1) and Tammy Beaumont (1) cheaply, as the scorecard read four for two. While Wyatt was sent back following a sensational diving catch by Sneh Rana off Meghna Singh (3/26), Beaumont was dismissed LBW by Jhulan Goswami (1/21).
However, skipper Heather Knight (53 not out off 72 balls, 8 fours) and Nat Sciver (45 off 46 balls, 8 fours) steadied the England ship with an invaluable 65-run stand for the third wicket.
After Sciver fell prey to Pooja Vastrakar (1/22), Amy Jones (10) stitched a 33-run partnership but was undone by Rajeshwari Gayakwad (1/35). Harmanpreet Kaur ran backwards and took a stunning catch to dismiss Amy.
By then, it was all over for India as England needed just 32 runs. Meghna picked up the scalps of Sophia Dunkley (17) and Katherine Brunt (0) before England completed the formalities. Earlier, off-spinner Charlotte Dean (4/23) ran riot while Anya Shrubsole (2/20) chipped in with two wickets. India (4 points from 4 matches, NRR of +0.632) remains third, with England (2 points from 4 matches, NRR of +0.351) moving to sixth.
Mithali Raj, losing captain, said, ‘ We definitely didn’t have partnerships and it didn’t go our way despite getting what we wanted after losing the toss. When you lose you always think you are short on runs. Getting 200 could have had the match go either way. Every game we’ve done well as a fielding unit. It is a department where we have improved. We need to work very hard with our batting. It is an honour to play alongside Jhulan Goswami. It is difficult for any fast bowler to play at this level consistently.’
Heather Knight, winning captain, said, ‘A bit of relief to be honest. A bit scrappy in the end but getting over the line was important. We were disappointed with the way our fielding was going. The mentality of the girls was great, they went out there and were aggressive. It wasnt an easy wicket. A few more on the board would have been tricky. I just wanted to be the one out there to finish. I want to congratulate Jhulan on her 250 wickets, amazing achievement. Nat Sciver scored quickly on what wasn’t an easy wicket. Very chuffed for her. The cricketing gods are on our side and are looking after us.’