India’s preparation for the ICC Women’s World Cup began with a 141-run loss to England in an unofficial practice match in Loughborough. The hosts put up a total of 244 and, in response, India were bowled out for 103. This was India’s first warm-up match on English soil ahead of the tournament beginning later this month. They were coming into the match having won 17 of their previous 18 ODIs.
England’s captain Heather Knight won the toss and chose to bat against the visitors. India began well with the ball to restrict the hosts just 28 runs from the first 10 overs, according to the match report by England and Wales Cricket Board.
India’s bowlers did well to restrict England to just 28 runs in the first 10 overs. But opener Lauren Winfield made a steady half-century and Nat Sciver top-scored with 70 to guide England to a solid score of 244.
In response, Indian openers Poonam Raut and Smriti Mandhana started on a strong note and were going at a run rate of over six an over. However, the momentum went down after the fall of the first wicket. Mandhana, making her comeback into the team after an injury picked earlier this year at the Women’s Big Bash League, fell as she tried to take the aerial route.
India’s captain Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur then tried to build a partnership, but the English bowlers were too strong. Soon, India were reeling at 77/6. Knight, returning from a five-week injury layoff, made a successful comeback taking three wickets, as did Alex Hartley, to put India out of the game.
India will again play England in the opening match of the World Cup, which begins in Derby on June 24. Mithali Raj and Co will have a couple of more practice matches in England to acclimatise to the conditions ahead of the tournament.
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