INDW vs ENGW: Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone guide England to victory over India

INDW vs ENGW: England kicked off their tour of India with a dominant 38-run victory over the hosts in a thrilling T20I encounter at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Wednesday. Despite facing an early wobble, England's batters, led by Danni Wyatt and Nat Sciver-Brunt, rallied to post a mammoth total of 197/6, which proved too much for India to chase down.

#TeamIndia fought hard but it's England who win the 1st T20I by 38 runs.

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/W69UaozmgU#INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/5vGDcmnihl

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 6, 2023

England's impeccable duo

Wyatt smashed a blistering 75 runs off 47 deliveries, while Sciver-Brunt contributed a comparatively steady 77 runs from 53 balls. Amy Jones' late cameo of 23 off 9 propelled England to a challenging 179/6.

Renuka Singh impressed with the ball for India, claiming 3/27, but England's batting depth proved decisive. India's bowlers struggled to contain the English batters, allowing them to build a strong foundation.

India's 'lone warrior'

Chasing a stiff target, India lost wickets at regular intervals and never truly recovered. Though Shafali Verma was the lone warrior who scored a 52-ball 50, the Indian middle order failed to provide substantial support.

ICYMI!

Shafali Verma scored a fine 52(42) with some cracking shots on display 🔝

WATCH 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/DuJgZAO3kC

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 6, 2023

Sophie Ecclestone, on her comeback from a shoulder injury, shined with the ball for England, picking up impressive figures of 3/15. The spin duo of Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn effectively choked the Indian run flow, making it difficult for the home side to accelerate.

England's disciplined bowling attack restricted India to 159/6, securing a comfortable victory and a perfect start to their tour. With the momentum firmly on their side, England will be brimming with confidence heading into the second T20I.

Earlier, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and decided to bowl first at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

India Playing XI

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Shreyanka Patil, Kanika Ahuja, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Thakur Singh
Batter

England Playing XI

Saika Ishaque, Danielle Wyatt, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (C), Amy Jones (WK) Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell, Mahika Gaur

Brief Scores:

England: 197/6 (Wyatt 75, Sciver-Brunt 77, Singh 3/27)
India: 159/6 (Verma 52, Ecclestone 3/15)

Result: England won by 38 runs