India Women wrap series with a convincing win

Mandhana and her team-mates implemented the plan to precision, as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory and seal the series on Thursday, at the VCA stadium in Jamtha.

Smriti Mandhana was adjudged the Player of the Series.

On the eve of the series-deciding ODI against England women, India opener Smriti Mandhana had cited the need for “clicking together as a batting group and building partnerships” if India had to keep its bilateral series record at home against England intact.

Mandhana and her teammates implemented the plan to precision as India cruised to an eight-wicket victory and seal the series 2-1 on Thursday at Jamtha here.

India bowlers put up an inspired performance to restrict England to 201 for nine. Mandhana, captain Mithali Raj and all-rounder Deepti Sharma then notched up a fifty each to see India home with almost five overs to spare.

When Mithali joined Mandhana in the middle, India was in a spot of bother. Opener Jemimah Rodrigues and Veda Krishnamurthy were accounted for by Anya Shrubsole and India was reduced to 23 for two in the seventh over.

While Mithali took her time, Mandhana didn’t let the pressure pile on, driving Shrubsole for successive fours.

It took Mithali 17 balls to score her first four but once she drove left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone through covers, she was at her usual best. Mandhana, moments after crossing a second fifty of the series, returned to the change room after hurting herself while diving to complete a single.

In came Deepti Sharma, and the left-hander lofted Hazell over short fine-leg for a four and continued to score at will.

Earlier in the morning, Jhulan Goswami got rid of the dangerous Danielle Wyatt and the consistent Tammy Beaumont in her opening spell. Had Jhulan latched on to a chance from Amy Jones and captain Heather Knight, things could have been worse for England.

While Jones made the most of three reprieves, none of the others could cut loose. Jones was run out for 94 off the last ball of the innings.

The scores: Engalnd 201 for nine in 50 overs (Amy Jones 94, Heather Knight 36; Rajeshwari Gayakwad two for 32, Deepti Sharma two for 35, Jhulan Goswami two for 39, Poonam Yadav two for 47) lost to India Women 202 for two in 45.2 overs (Mithali Raj 74 n.o., Deepti Sharma 54 n.o., Smriti Mandhana 53 retd. hurt; Anya Shrubsole two for 37).

Player-of-the-match: Deepti Sharma.

Player-of-the-series: Smriti Mandhana.