India Women Vs England Women, 1st T20I 2026: Rodrigues, Bhatia Help Women In Blue Take 1-0 Lead In Three-Match Series

India kicked off their T20I series against England in dominant fashion at Chelmsford, securing a commanding 38-run victory. In a match filled with momentum shifts, the visitors overcame a disastrous start to set a challenging target, ultimately stifling England’s pursuit with disciplined bowling.

Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, leading in the absence of a rested Harmanpreet Kaur, opted to bat first only to see the top order crumble. Lauren Bell dismantled India’s rhythm in the opening over, claiming two quick wickets to leave India reeling at 7/2.

However, the game turned on its head during the second over, as a 27-run onslaught against Issy Wong allowed Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues to find their flow. The duo went on to stitch a match-defining 126-run partnership off just 76 balls. Bhatia contributed a fluent 54, while Rodrigues showcased her class with a blistering 69 off 40 deliveries, pushing India to a formidable 188/7.

England’s response was hampered by early losses, with Kranti Gaud striking twice inside the powerplay to keep the hosts under pressure. Despite a gritty, 48-ball 67 from Amy Jones, the required run rate proved too steep. Heather Knight, marking a massive personal milestone in her 400th international appearance, struggled to find her rhythm and departed for 21.

Debutant Nandini Sharma proved to be the standout bowler for India, scything through the middle order to finish with 3/34. England eventually stumbled to 150/8, as India’s superior execution in the field and with the ball handed them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The result serves as a stark reality check for England as they continue their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

India Vs England, 1st T20I: Toss Update

England Women have won the toss and have opted to field.

India Vs England, 1st T20I: Playing XIs

India Women: Smriti Mandhana(c), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Nandni Sharma, Shree Charani

England Women: Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones(w), Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean(c), Issy Wong, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Tilly Corteen-Coleman