Rodrigues, Bhatia and debutant Nandani shine as India beat England in first T20I

India began their three-match women’s T20I series against England with a commanding 38-run victory in Chelmsford, powered by half-centuries from Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, followed by an impressive debut bowling performance from Nandani Sharma.

Batting first, India recovered brilliantly after being reduced to 7 for 2 in the opening over. England pacer Lauren Bell dismissed both Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma to put the visitors under pressure.

However, Bhatia and Rodrigues rebuilt the innings with a match-defining 126-run partnership for the third wicket. Playing her first T20I in two years after recovering from knee surgery, Bhatia struck 54 off 40 deliveries for her maiden T20I fifty, while Rodrigues continued her excellent form with a composed 69 off 40 balls.

Late contributions from Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy helped India post 188 for 7.

Nandani’s dream debut seals victory

England’s chase was anchored by Amy Jones, who scored 67 from 48 balls after being promoted to No. 3. She shared a 64-run partnership with Heather Knight, but lacked support from the rest of the batting order.

The turning point came when Nandani removed Jones and Dani Gibson in consecutive deliveries and later dismissed Issy Wong to finish with figures of 3 for 34 on her international debut. England eventually closed on 150 for 8, falling 38 runs short.

The victory gives India an early advantage in the three-match series and provides encouraging signs ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup