India’s players celebrate hard-fought victory over England in third Metro Bank One-Day International (ODI). They won by 13 runs on home turf at Banks Homes Riverside in Chester-le-Street. The Indian team’s historic victory was widely celebrated. It wrapped up the series 2-1, marking a big win for the fighting spirit and athletic excellence displayed on the pitch.
In a thrilling back-and-forth game with score BOOMING like the standoff match of cricketers! India sprinted out in front, setting a tough score. They chased down 318 runs with only five wickets down in their 50 overs. The exceptional performer for India was their captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who produced a dazzling knock to finish unbeaten on 102. Her key alliance with Jemimah Rodrigues was intimidatingly important. Together, they put on a fluent 110-run partnership in quick time, just 77 balls, with Rodrigues scoring 50 runs at a rapid pace.
Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol made significant contributions to the Indian total, scoring 45 runs each, ensuring that India set a challenging score for the hosts.
England’s chase got off to a great start but missed out in the end. They made 305 runs in 49.5 overs, only falling five runs short of their target. It was their second nearest effort to run down 319, which would have been a record for their most successful ODI chase. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the hero for England, scoring 98 runs and almost dragging her side to glory.
India’s bowling – from the new-ball spell to wrist spin – was the decisive factor in their success. Kranti Goud emerged as a key figure, taking six wickets for 52 runs, including dismissing both Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones early in the innings. Deepti Sharma’s excellent fielding was highlighted when she took a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Amy Jones, demonstrating India’s superior fielding capabilities.
Evaluating her side’s performance, Harmanpreet Kaur said she was pleased with the way her team played throughout the series.
“It’s a great moment for all of us, I’m really happy with the way we played in both of the series. Credit to our team, we’re gelling and giving our best out there.” – Harmanpreet Kaur
Despite England’s efforts falling just short, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt remained proud of her team’s determination.
“I am really proud of the way we were stuck in with it. And it was brilliant to see that mindset out there from everyone really. It came down to 13 runs in the end. If we had a set batter in during the last 10 overs, we could have really made a good run of it.” – Nat Sciver-Brunt
The game showed just how important fielding can be in cricket. An unnamed source commented on the difference that India’s outstanding fielding had made, “Fielding was the difference. Inside the England camp, there is overwhelming desire to raise their fielding benchmark. They’re trying to live up to the lofty bar set by India.
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