India will stroll into The Rose Bowl in Southampton with momentum firmly of their favour, having just lately edged England in a tightly contested five-match T20I collection 3-2.
India eye continued dominance forward of house ODI World Cup 2025
Because the ODI collection kicks off on Wednesday (June 16), the guests will look to hold that confidence into the 50-over format, which takes on added significance with the ICC Ladies’s ODI World Cup set to be hosted in India later this 12 months. With a near-flawless file this 12 months, seven wins in eight matches, India have proven rising maturity and depth of their squad. They recorded complete clear sweeps in opposition to West Indies and Eire, and in addition lifted the ODI Tri-Sequence trophy in Could, the place their solely blemish got here in opposition to Sri Lanka.
On the opposite aspect, India are anticipated to proceed investing of their rising core whereas leaning on skilled names akin to Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to anchor innings. With the likes of Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh offering stability throughout departments, the Ladies in Blue seem each assured and settled. As either side gear up for a high-quality collection opener in Southampton, the ODI leg is about to not simply determine bragging rights but additionally form the shape and mentality of two critical contenders for the upcoming World Cup.
England look to bounce again with full power beneath Nat Sciver-Brunt
England, in the meantime, are coming into this collection with a degree to show. After being outgunned within the T20Is, the hosts now shift their consideration to a format by which they historically maintain higher consolation, significantly in house situations. Following a 3-0 drubbing by Australia earlier this 12 months, the England aspect rebounded nicely beneath the steerage of newly-appointed head coach Charlotte Edwards, notching up an emphatic collection win in opposition to West Indies.
With the World Cup on the horizon, England shall be determined to make use of this ODI collection to shine their plans and solidify group cohesion. The return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who missed the again finish of the T20I collection attributable to a groin damage, shall be a significant increase. Her all-round capabilities present England with a dynamic presence in each departments. Accompanying her resurgence would be the in-form duo of Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, who’ve been in glorious contact this 12 months, scoring 359 and 283 runs respectively throughout 5 innings. Their expertise on the prime shall be essential in countering India’s diverse bowling assault.
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High 5 key battles to be careful for within the ENG vs IND Ladies’s ODI collection
1. Smriti Mandhana vs Sophie Ecclestone
That is the last word conflict between India’s in-form World No. 1 ODI batter, Smriti Mandhana (averaging over 45 in ODIs, with 11 ODI century), and England’s World No. 1 ODI bowler, Sophie Ecclestone (averaging 19.87 with 120 wickets). Ecclestone’s left-arm spin has troubled Mandhana up to now, together with a current Take a look at match dismissal and shut encounters in T20Is the place Ecclestone’s tight traces restricted Mandhana’s scoring. Mandhana’s means to counter Ecclestone’s management and variations, significantly within the center overs, shall be pivotal for India’s run-scoring. This direct duel shall be an interesting show of top-tier talent and tactical wit.
2. Natalie Sciver-Brunt vs Deepti Sharma
It is a heavyweight battle between two elite all-rounders. Nat Sciver-Brunt, England’s captain, is a dynamic middle-order batter with an ODI common of 46.26 and a constant wicket-taker along with her medium tempo. Deepti Sharma, India’s skilled off-spinner, has a powerful ODI bowling common of 27.29 with over 135 wickets, and is a dependable lower-order batter. Of their head-to-head ODI encounters, Deepti has efficiently dismissed Sciver-Brunt on a number of events, showcasing her means to outfox England’s key participant. The result of their direct confrontation, whether or not it’s Sciver-Brunt’s energy or Deepti’s guile, might considerably impression the sport’s momentum.
3. Sophia Dunkley vs Arundhati Reddy
This options England’s attacking opener Sophia Dunkley, who likes to attain rapidly (a ODI strike charge over 84 and a key participant in England’s aggressive method), in opposition to India’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Arundhati Reddy. Reddy, whereas having 11 ODI wickets at a mean of 30.64, has proven good current type, together with 3 wickets in a current T20I in opposition to England. Her means to bowl persistently within the powerplay and center overs, with delicate adjustments of tempo, shall be essential. The battle shall be whether or not Dunkley’s aggressive begins can negate Reddy’s early motion and accuracy, probably resulting in an thrilling face-off on the prime of the innings
4. Harmanpreet Kaur vs Kate Cross
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur is thought for her explosive hitting within the center overs, boasting an ODI strike charge of 75.26 and 6 centuries. She likes to tackle tempo. Opposing her shall be England’s constant seam bowler, Kate Cross, who depends on nagging line, size, and delicate variations. Cross, with 101 ODI wickets at a mean beneath 25, excels at constructing stress and inducing false photographs. The competition will revolve round Harmanpreet’s aggressive intent to clear the ropes versus Cross’s disciplined method to include and in the end dismiss India’s power-hitter, making it a vital section for each groups.
5. Jemimah Rodrigues vs Charlie Dean
It is a compelling battle between India’s elegant middle-order batter, Jemimah Rodrigues (averaging 60.00 in ODIs in 2025 to date), and England’s promising younger off-spinner, Charlie Dean (who has taken 72 wickets in 42 ODIs at 21.29). Rodrigues’ power lies in her beautiful timing and skill to play spin successfully, essential for rotating strike and sustaining momentum. Dean, then again, offers management and has a knack for choosing up essential wickets within the center overs, having dismissed Indian batters in current T20Is, together with Rodrigues. The power of Rodrigues to negate Dean’s spin and maintain the scoreboard ticking shall be important for India’s innings development.
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This text was first printed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Occasions firm.