Sophie Ecclestone and Amy Jones were instrumental in England’s victory over India in the second women’s ODI at Lord’s, tying the three-match series. Ecclestone’s exceptional bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs, limited India to a total of 143-8 after a rain delay forced the match to be shortened to 29 overs.
Chasing a revised target of 115 runs, England successfully achieved 116-2 in just 24 overs, with Jones scoring an unbeaten 46 off 57 balls. The opening wicket partnership of 54 runs between Jones and Tammy Beaumont, who contributed 34 runs off 35 balls, set a strong foundation. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt added 21 runs to help secure the win, which came after a four-wicket loss in the first ODI at Southampton.
Initially, the day’s prospects for play seemed bleak due to rain, but conditions improved to allow over 13,000 spectators to witness England’s attempt at leveling the series. After winning the toss, Sciver-Brunt opted to bowl first under overcast skies, making three changes to the squad from the previous match.
Match Summary – England’s Victory by Eight Wickets (DLS Method)
India 143-8 in 29 overs: Smriti Mandhana (42 off 51), Deepti Sharma (30 off 34); Sophie Ecclestone (3-27), Em Arlott (2-26)
England 115-2 in 21 overs: Amy Jones (46 off 57), Tammy Beaumont (34 off 35), Nat Sciver-Brunt (21 off 25)
Spin Attack Restricts India
The bowling trio of Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, and Linsey Smith effectively stifled India’s scoring, with early breakthroughs by Lauren Bell and Em Arlott. Regular wickets fell, including Arlott dismissing Pratika Rawal (3) in her first over. Ecclestone struck with her second delivery, capturing Harleen Deol (16) with an excellent return catch and later bowled India captain Harmanpreet Kaur (7).
Dean chipped in with a smart caught and bowled dismissal of Jemimah Rodrigues (3) before Ecclestone secured her third wicket, reducing India to 72-5. Although Deepti Sharma scored an unbeaten 30, their final score of 143-8 seemed inadequate, backed by Arlott’s two wickets.
Strong Start for England
In response, England had a solid start, evidenced by a partnership of 54 runs for the first wicket between Beaumont and Jones. During the innings, there was a controversial appeal against Beaumont for obstructing the field, which was turned down upon review. Beaumont eventually fell victim to a leg-before wicket decision for 34 runs.
Sciver-Brunt partnered with Jones to further solidify their position until another heavy rain stop led to a revised target of 115 runs in 24 overs. Following a brief delay, Sciver-Brunt was bowled for 21 runs, but Sophia Dunkley soon clinched the winning runs for England’s second ODI victory at Lord’s in 15 years.
Looking Ahead
The victory sets the stage for a decisive final ODI match, scheduled to take place at Durham on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports starting at 12:30 PM.
