When Deepti Sharma, the all‑rounder for India Women's cricket team, smashed an unbeaten 62 off 64 balls, England Women's cricket team fell short by four wickets at The Rose Bowl Stadium in Southampton on July 16, 2025. The win gave India a 1‑0 lead in the three‑match ODI series and hinted at a shifting balance in women’s international cricket.
Match Overview
The first ODI of the series unfolded under clear skies, the venue buzzing with over 15,000 fans. England won the toss and elected to bat, posting 258/6 in 48.2 overs. Sophia Dunkley anchored the total with an unbeaten 83, but a 106‑run partnership with Alice Davidson‑Richards proved insufficient to set a daunting target. India’s chase began cautiously before Jemimah Rodrigues and Sharma stitched together a crucial 90‑run stand for the fifth wicket.
Batting Heroics
Sharma’s innings was the match’s fulcrum. Arriving at number six with the score wobbling at 109/4, she displayed a blend of aggression and composure that belied the pressure. Her partnership with Rodrigues saw her strike 10 fours and a six, cruising past the 150‑run mark without losing her wicket. When Rodrigues fell, Sharma mixed defensive nudges with textbook drives, shepherding the chase to the final overs. She capped the effort with an unbeaten 33 alongside Amanjot Kaur, who contributed a blistering 20 off 14 balls.
Bowling Battle
India’s bowlers kept the English batters on their toes from the outset. Young seamer Kranti Goud rattled the top order, ending with 2 for 55 in her ten‑over spell, though she leaked a few boundaries. The real swing came from off‑spinner Sneh Rana, whose 2 for 31 off ten overs turned the tide. Her variations in flight and pace forced Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Emma Lamb into a scramble, curtailing any momentum England tried to build.
Team Strategies and Turning Points
England’s early batting collapsed to 45/3, prompting a strategic pivot: Dunkley and Davidson‑Richards steadied the ship with a confident partnership. Yet a pivotal dropped catch on Davidson‑Richards at 16 and a missed LBW review on a Swansea‑bound delivery to Sharma at 40 cost England dearly. On the field, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur rotated her bowlers wisely, deploying Rana during the middle overs when England’s scoring spiked.
Implications for the Series
Taking a 1‑0 lead, India now controls the narrative. The win not only boosts morale but also forces England to rethink its batting order, especially the top three, which struggled against spin. For India, the victory cements Sharma’s status as a clutch performer and validates the emerging talent of Goud and Kaur. The remaining two ODIs, scheduled for July 20 and July 23 in Birmingham and Leeds, will likely become a test of depth and adaptability for both sides.
Key Facts
- Venue: The Rose Bowl Stadium, Southampton
- Date:
- Result: India Women won by 4 wickets (48.2 overs)
- Top scorer: Sophia Dunkley – 83* (92 balls)
- Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma – 62* (64 balls)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect India's chances in the series?
With a 1‑0 lead, India can approach the next two matches with confidence. A win in the series decider would secure a 2‑1 triumph, while a loss would level the series, making the final game a must‑win for both sides.
Who were the standout performers for England?
Sophia Dunkley’s unbeaten 83 anchored the innings, and Alice Davidson‑Richards added a useful 53. Both players displayed resilience after early wickets fell.
What role did spin bowling play in the outcome?
Spin was decisive. Sneh Rana’s two‑for‑31 spell proved economical and incisive, while Amanjot Kaur’s occasional off‑spin snagged a vital wicket in the final over, disrupting England’s lower order.
When and where are the remaining ODIs scheduled?
The second ODI takes place on July 20 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, followed by the series finale on July 23 at Headingley, Leeds.
What does this series mean for women's cricket globally?
A tightly contested series between two top‑ranked teams showcases the growing depth in women’s cricket. Strong viewership numbers and competitive play are likely to boost sponsorship and broadcast interest worldwide.