England Women defeated India Women by eight wickets in a rain-affected second ODI at Lord’s. With this win, England levelled the three-match series at 1-1. The match, originally set for 50 overs, was reduced to 29 overs per side due to a four-hour rain delay. Later, heavy rain interrupted play again, forcing another adjustment to the target. Chasing 144, England had reached 102 for 1 in 18.4 overs when rain halted the game once more. After a 20-minute break, England’s revised target was set at 115 in 24 overs, leaving them just 13 more runs to win.

Spinners help restrict India

England's spinners played a crucial role in controlling India’s batting lineup. Sophie Ecclestone led the attack, claiming 3 wickets for 27 runs. Linsey Smith contributed with 2 wickets, while Charlie Dean picked up 1. Together, the trio shared six wickets. India ended their innings at 143 for 8.

India’s opener Smriti Mandhana was the top scorer, making 42 runs from 51 balls. Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten with 30 runs off 34 balls. However, the rest of the Indian batters struggled, as none crossed 16 runs. England’s fielding was not perfect though, as they missed five potential catching chances.

England’s steady chase

England started their chase confidently. Tammy Beaumont gave them a quick start with 18 runs from just eight balls. However, tension rose when Beaumont was involved in an obstructing-the-field review in the fifth over. Beaumont survived the appeal and continued until she was trapped lbw by Sneh Rana for 33 runs in the 11th over.

Amy Jones anchored the chase with a composed 46 not out. She built a key partnership with Nat Sciver-Brunt, adding 48 runs for the second wicket before rain interrupted again. After play resumed, Sciver-Brunt was dismissed by Kranti Goud almost immediately. But Jones, alongside Sophia Dunkley, who remained unbeaten on 9, ensured England crossed the line comfortably with 18 balls to spare.

Key moments in India’s innings

India’s innings started under bright sunshine. Seamer Em Arlott gave England an early breakthrough, dismissing Pratika Rawal with a yorker. Spin was introduced in the ninth over, and from then on, India’s innings struggled. Ecclestone removed Harleen Deol with a return catch, then bowled Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur for just 7. Harmanpreet’s poor form on this tour continued, as she has scored only 89 runs in six innings.

Charlie Dean dismissed Jemimah Rodrigues with a caught-and-bowled effort. Although Dean dropped a simple catch off Richa Ghosh shortly after, Ecclestone compensated by trapping Ghosh lbw. Linsey Smith later dismissed Mandhana, who had played well earlier, and also trapped Arundhati Reddy lbw.

Brief Scorecard