London: Skipper Mitali Raj hit an unbeaten 94 to power India Women to a five wickets win over England Women to take a 1-0 lead over England in the five match ODI series here yesterday. India raced off to the victory with three balls to spare and it ended England’s seven match winning streak.
It was two important partnerships for Indian that sealed the match for them. Raj who played 111 balls for her knock was involved in a century partnership with Poonam Raut who scored 60 and then later on after her dismissal Raj went on to add 89 with Harmanpreet Kaur. Kaur scored a well paced 50.
But then it was after Kaur’s dismissal that Indian eves some tense moments as they lost two quick wickets in a span of three deliveries at the end but then the captain held on to her nerves and guided India home.
Earlier batting first England went on to score 229 thanks to a half century by Arran Brindle (58). For India wrecker-in-chief were Archana Das who returned with figures of 61-4 whereas Niranjana Nagarajan scalped three for 28.
Brief scores: England: 229 all out in 49.1 overs (Aaran Brindle 58, Sarah Taylor 38, Archana Das 4-61, Niranjana Nagarajan 3-28)
India: 230/5 in 49.3 overs (Mithali Raj 94*, Poonam Raut 60, Harmanpreet Kaur 50; Danielle Hazel 2-34).
By Indian Sports News Network
