Southampton, Jul 17 (PTI): Deepti Sharma showcased remarkable composure with an unbeaten half-century, propelling India to a comfortable four-wicket victory in the opening women's ODI against England.
The preparations for India's 50-over World Cup campaign began with earnest determination, as they successfully chased a target of 259 with 10 balls to spare. Deepti's impressive 62 not out off 64 balls, including three boundaries and a six, was instrumental in the victory.
The pivotal moment of the match was the 90-run fifth-wicket partnership between Deepti and Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 48 off 54 balls. Their collaboration proved to be the turning point, securing the win for India.
All-rounder Amanjot Kaur contributed with a brisk 20 off 14 balls, delivering crucial blows towards the end. Her finish ensured that the target was achieved with minimal difficulty, despite India being in a precarious position at 124 for 4 after the dismissal of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 17.
Deepti and Rodrigues adeptly rotated the strike and kept the scoreboard moving, capitalizing on loose deliveries to find the occasional boundary.
Deepti's batting, often critiqued, was strategic throughout the chase. The highlight of her innings was a one-handed six off Lauren Bell over deep mid-wicket, executed with superb bottom-hand control.
Indian captain Harmanpreet lauded Deepti’s performance and also praised Rodrigues, who narrowly missed a half-century. "I'm happy with how we bowled and especially Deepti's innings, which was key," said Harmanpreet. "We felt we gave away an extra 20-30 runs, but it was a good batting wicket. Fielding improvements are needed as we missed two chances today. Nonetheless, credit goes to Deepti for her batting heroics."
Earlier, young seamer Kranti Goud impressed with two crucial wickets, while Sophia Dunkley's unbeaten 83 off 92 balls lifted England to 258 for six. Goud's efforts, alongside off-spinner Sneh Rana’s two wickets (2/31 in 10 overs), were notable. England opted to bat and found themselves at 97 for four before a 106-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Dunkley and Alice Davidson Richards (53 off 73) restored their innings.
Dunkley’s innings featured nine boundaries, forming the backbone of England’s total.
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