Eighth fixture was between India and England, batting first India posted a total of 144 runs with the help of captain’s knock of 62 runs. Wyatt scored a half century as well which went in vain as England lost by 11 runs.
Electing to bat, India posted 144-6 in 20 overs. Mandhana gave a stormy start to the match with a strike rate of 162.5 but couldn’t hold on to her wicket for long. It was captain Harmanpreet Kaur who outshined everyone today. Kaur’s knock was nothing less than a delight to eyes. I’m sure no Indian there missed celebrating Diwali due to all the fireworks that was coming out of Kaur’s bat. 62* runs in 32 balls with six boundaries and three sixes, strike rate as high as 193.75. Rodriguez (21 runs) and Deepti Sharma (18 runs not out) were the other contributors. H Knight was the most economical bowler from England, she took 2 wickets in 2 overs by giving 9 runs.
Opener Danielle Wyatt gave the required start to England while chasing the total. Her knock of 54 runs in 53 balls with two boundaries showed her maturity and experience. She knew if England had to win the match someone needs to hold on to their wicket till the end and that is what she was trying to do. At a moment when she had become a threat to India, Deepti Sharma came to rescue and took her wicket. L Winfield (19 runs) and N Sciver (14 runs) were the other contributors. Poonam Yadav rocked with the ball as she picked 3 wickets in 4 overs by giving 20 runs.
Brief scores
Result : India won by 11 runs
India 144-6 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 62 runs not out, Rodriguez 21 runs, Deepti Sharma 18 runs not out; H Knight 2/9)
England 133-8 in 20 overs ( Wyatt 54 runs, L Winfield 19 runs, N Sciver 14 runs; Poonam Yadav 3/20)