England were outplayed by India as they fell to a 38-run defeat in their pre-T20 World Cup meeting in Chelmsford. The hosts, still awaiting the return of Danni Wyatt-Hodge from maternity leave and Nat Sciver-Brunt from injury, were set a target of 189 to win but managed just 150 for eight, with their batting line-up failing to convince.
Batting Woes Continue
Alice Capsey and Sophia Dunkley opened but were unable to make much impact. Amy Jones then hit 67 off 48 balls, but England could not build upon a promising 120 for three, losing wickets at regular intervals to fall short.
India's Strong Start
Lauren Bell had started well for England with two early wickets, removing Smriti Mandhana before Shafali Verma departed for just two. However, Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia then took 27 runs from the second over, bowled by Issy Wong, to release the early pressure and build a match-winning partnership.
Key Partnership Turns the Tide
Stand-in captain Charlie Dean removed both set batters in the 14th over as England threatened to retaliate. Bhatia was out for 54, and Rodrigues was caught and bowled for 69, leaving India wobbling. Richa Ghosh was then caught by Wong, but Deepti Sharma struck four boundaries in her 22 from 13 balls to take India to an unassailable 188 for seven.
The three-match series continues at Bristol on Saturday, with England looking to bounce back and address their batting concerns ahead of the World Cup.
