1st WODI: Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, bowlers power India to thumping win over England in series opener

Harmanpreet Kaur's India, on Sunday, September 18, beat Amy Jones' England by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Women's ODI series.

India, on Sunday, September 18, defeated England by seven wickets in the first of the three Women’s ODIs at County Ground in Hove. Most importantly, they took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

After opting to field first, India restricted England to 227 for seven in 50 overs. Barring Pooja Vastrakar, who leaked 20 runs off two overs without getting a wicket, the other bowlers picked up at least one wicket.

Off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the standout performer, finishing with figures of 10-1-33-2. Deepti got the prized scalps of Danielle Wyatt and Sophie Ecclestone and put the brakes on the England run-scoring.

Jhulan Goswami, who made a comeback after the World Cup in March-April, was hard to get away. She conceded only 20 runs and got the all-important wicket of opening batter Tammy Beaumont.

Alice Davidson-Richardson was the pick of the batters for England after she scored an unbeaten 61-ball 50 with four fours. She was also involved in a 50-run partnership with Ecclestone, who made 31 off 33.

Danielle Wyatt also contributed with 43 useful runs before Deepti sent her back. Charlie Dean scored a quickfire 21-ball 24 and helped England post a respectable score.