Bristol: Mithali Raj's half century went in vain as England Women defeated India Women by eight wickets in the first ODI to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, here on Sunday.
Put in to bat, India Women posted a challenging total of 201/8 in 50 overs. Skipper Mithali Raj top-scored with a 108-ball 72-run knock while Punam Raut also chipped in with valuable 32.
For England Women, Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers with 3/40, while Anya Shrubsole (2/33) and Katherine Brunt (2/35) also picked two wickets each.
In reply, Tammy Beaumont (87 not out) and Nat Sciver (74 not out) hit half-centuries and stitched an unbeaten 119-run stand for the third wicket as England Women comfortably chased down the target in 34.5 overs.
The second match of the series will be played on Wednesday.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 201 for 8 in 50 overs (Mithali Raj 72; Sophie Ecclestone 3/40).
England Women: 202 for 2 in 34.5 overs (Tammy Beaumont 87 not out, Nat Sciver 74 not out; Jhulan Goswami 1/25). (UNI)