Source: ECB

England battle to final ODI win

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Five wickets from Katherine Brunt inspired England to victory in the final ODI of the Paytm Women’s ODI series in Mumbai.

Brunt’s 5-28 saw India reach 205/8 from their 50 overs, a total that England chased down in the penultimate over to win by two wickets and leave the series at 2-1 to the hosts.

It was looking ominous for England when India raced to 129/1 but Brunt dismissed Smriti Mandhana to precipitate the fall of six wickets for 21 runs.

In reply England fell to 49/5 but captain Heather Knight (47) stemmed the bleeding, before Danni Wyatt – recalled following the injury to Sophie Ecclestone – showed her fighting qualities to score her maiden ODI half-century.

Knight fell with 88 runs still required but England’s lower-middle order rallied alongside Wyatt to get them to the win, with Georgia Elwiss (33*) and Brunt (18) playing major roles.

It was left to Brunt’s opening bowling partner Anya Shrubsole to hit the winning runs, and salvage some pride from the series as well as two ICC Women’s Championship points.

The teams now travel to Guwahati in Assam to contest the three-match IT20 series.

Katherine Brunt: “It has been a frustrating series. It’s been a tough time for us but it’s good to end the series with a win. We prepared well before coming here but in reality we came out of an indoor school and weren’t able to adapt as quickly as we would have liked.

“We knew we’d have to hit the ground running and adapt but unfortunately that didn’t happen until the third game.

“I think we’ve showed a lot of character, a lot of resilience and Danni Wyatt did brilliantly to get her half-century and take us towards the win. Heather Knight and Georgia Elwiss were also very impressive.

“I said to one of the girls, I couldn’t believe I took five wickets today. It’s been a while since my last one, predominantly because the wickets we prepare aren’t generally suited to bowlers. But I’m really happy to perform like that and to help the team get a victory and two more points for the ICC Women’s Championship.”

Courtesy of the ECB