SOUTHAMPTON — A disciplined Indian side outclassed England by four wickets in the first ODI at the Ageas Bowl, with Deepti Sharma's unbeaten 62 anchoring a chase of 228 after the hosts' batting lineup faltered under pressure. England, put in to bat, were dismissed for 227 in 49.2 overs, with only captain Amy Jones (53) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (47) offering resistance against India's varied attack.
The victory marked India's third consecutive ODI win over England, extending their dominance in the format since last year's drawn series. England's innings never gained momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals after openers Tammy Beaumont (8) and Emma Lamb (12) fell cheaply. "We lacked intent," admitted Jones post-match. "227 was never going to be enough on this surface."
Deepti's Masterclass Seals Chase
India's reply began shakily at 33/2 after Shafali Verma (15) and Smriti Mandhana (10) departed to Kate Cross' probing lines. However, Harmanpreet Kaur (47) and Deepti Sharma steadied the innings with an 85-run partnership. Sharma's knock stood out for its composure, featuring:
- 7 boundaries and a six
- A 72% strike rate against spin
- Crucial partnerships with lower-order batters
England's fielding lapses proved costly, with three dropped catches—including Deepti on 42. Charlie Dean (2/39) was the pick of England's bowlers, but Lauren Bell's wayward spell (0/54 in 8 overs) allowed India to maintain control. "Deepti showed how to bat on this wicket," praised Harmanpreet at the presentation.
England's Batting Collapse
The hosts lost 4/23 between overs 30-40, derailing their innings after Jones and Sciver-Brunt's 71-run stand. Renuka Singh (4/45) exploited England's middle-order fragility, while Sneh Rana's 2/42 included the key wicket of Sciver-Brunt. England's lower order folded quickly:
- Last 5 wickets: 22 runs
- 7 batters failed to reach double figures
- Only 2 sixes in the entire innings
Heather Knight's absence (hip injury) was glaring, with stand-in captain Jones admitting "we missed her experience in the middle overs when the spinners were operating." India's fielding mirrored their clinical reputation, effecting two direct-hit run-outs.
Turning Points
Powerplay Contrast
England managed just 32/1 in their first 10 overs compared to India's 48/1. Renuka's opening spell (3-0-8-1) set the tone, while Bell's first over conceded 11 runs. Data showed England's batters played 42% dot balls in this phase versus India's 29%.
The 34th Over
With India needing 87 from 102 balls, Dean nearly had Deepti caught at midwicket, but Sophia Dunkley spilled the chance. India scored 14 runs that over, shifting momentum decisively. "Catches win matches—we know that better than anyone," lamented Jones.
What This Means for the Series
England must win the second ODI at Canterbury on Wednesday to keep the series alive. Their batting lineup requires urgent recalibration, particularly against spin (India's spinners combined for 3/84 in 20 overs). India, meanwhile, will aim to clinch the series with another all-round performance. As Deepti noted: "We've taken confidence from this, but England will come harder. We need to start fresh."
The match also carried World Championship points significance, with India moving to second in the standings. England's fifth consecutive ODI defeat (dating back to the Ashes) raises questions about their preparation, having played just two ODIs in 2024 before this series. Coach Jon Lewis hinted at changes: "We'll review combinations. Sometimes you need fresh energy after a performance like this."