India Women began their T20I series against England in dominant style, cruising to a 38-run win in the opening contest at Chelmsford on May 28, 2026. With Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia anchoring the chase-proof platform, the hosts compiled 188 for 7 before dismissing England for 150 for 8, giving India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India’s innings: a response after an early wobble
- England chose to bowl first and made an immediate impact in the opening over as Lauren Bell removed Smriti Mandhana (0) and Shafali Verma (2), putting India under pressure early.
- With the score reading 7 for 2, the contest looked set to slip away, but Rodrigues and Bhatia shifted gears and took control of the innings.
- The pair built a decisive third-wicket stand worth 126 runs, punishing England’s bowlers with aggressive, high-tempo batting.
- A particularly expensive spell from Issy Wong produced 27 runs, further accelerating India’s scoring rate and helping them maintain momentum through the powerplay and beyond.
- When both main batters eventually departed, Deepti Sharma finished strongly, striking 22 off 13 balls to help India close on 188 for 7.
Rodrigues was the Player of the Match for her stunning 69 off 40 deliveries, while Bhatia returned with a composed 54 off 40. Bell ended as England’s most effective bowler, taking 3 for 34.
England’s chase: early setbacks, late resistance, and a decisive collapse
- Chasing 189, England required a fast start, but India’s bowling struck quickly as Kranti Gaud removed Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey early.
- Amy Jones then provided the most significant resistance, scoring 67 off 48 and combining with captain Heather Knight for a 64-run partnership.
- Knight contributed 21, but despite Jones’ effort, England struggled to keep up with the required run rate as the chase dragged.
- The breakthrough arrived in the 16th over when debutant Nandani Sharma delivered a match-turning spell, dismissing Jones and Dani Gibson off consecutive balls to slam the door on England’s comeback.
- With the target out of reach, England were eventually restricted to 150 for 8, finishing 38 runs short.
Nandani Sharma finished with impressive figures of 3 for 34 on debut, while Kranti Gaud supported with 2 for 24 to ensure England never threatened the required finish.
The win gives India a crucial 1-0 advantage in the three-match series and underlines the squad’s balance—experienced campaigners delivering when it mattered, and newcomers such as Nandani making an immediate impact. India will now head into the second T20I with confidence as they look to close out the series.
