"Disappointing not to get over the line": Charlotte Dean after England lose 1st T20I
Chelmsford, May 29
England Women captain Charlotte Dean admitted her side fell short despite a fighting effort, as India Women secured a 38-run victory in the opening T20I of the three-match series at Chelmsford on Thursday.
Chasing a competitive target of 189, England showed resistance but were unable to capitalise on key phases of the game as they made 150/8, falling short by 38 runs as visitors took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Reflecting on the match, Dean said early setbacks hurt their chase but credited the batters for showing intent despite losing wickets.
"Two early wickets. But they kept scoring runs despite those early wickets. They had wickets in hand. Played really well. Proud of the effort in hot conditions," Dean said.
"Bell bowled well at the start and the death. Disappointing not to get over the line," she added.
Dean also drew parallels with a previous defeat, noting similarities in how the game slipped away from England despite a solid platform.
"Reminiscent of the game we had against New Zealand in Canterbury," she said. Praising Amy Jones' fighting knock, Dean said the wicketkeeper-batter stood out in an otherwise inconsistent batting display.
"Jones was brilliant," she noted.
The England skipper further pointed to a decisive partnership in the match that tilted the momentum in India's favour, while also indicating that the team is in a transition phase.
"The difference was that massive partnership. We are working on a younger middle-order," Dean said.
After being put in to bat, India lost Smriti Mandhana early but recovered through a solid partnership between Yastika Bhatia, who scored a brisk 54 off 40 balls, and Jemimah Rodrigues, who anchored the innings with a superb 69 off 40 deliveries. A late push, including contributions from Deepti Sharma, helped India post a competitive total of 188/7.
England's bowling was led by Lauren Bell, who took three wickets, while Tilly Corteen-Coleman also impressed with disciplined spells in the middle overs.
In reply, England lost early wickets before Amy Jones fought back with a resilient 67 off 48 balls, supported briefly by Heather Knight. However, India's bowlers, led by Nandni Sharma's 3/23, broke the chase open with timely strikes. Kranti Gaud also chipped in with early wickets, while Deepti Sharma added control in the middle overs.
England eventually fell short by 38 runs, giving India a well-rounded victory driven by strong batting depth, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding. With the win, India Women take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an England fan, I'm a bit disappointed but have to give credit where it's due. India were simply the better team today. Their batting depth was outstanding, and that partnership between Bhatia and Rodrigues really set the game up. Charlotte Dean is right to be proud of the fight, but India's bowling was far too good in the end.
This is exactly the kind of all-round performance we needed! Smriti might have gone early, but Yastika and Jemi steadied the ship beautifully. And our bowlers - wow! Nandni Sharma's spell was just superb. England's middle order looked shaky, and we exploited that perfectly. 1-0 up, let's seal the series now! 💪
Honest assessment from Charlotte Dean. England had some good moments - especially Amy Jones' fighting knock - but losing early wickets cost them dearly. India's fielding was sharp too, which made a big difference. Bell bowled well but didn't get enough support. Still, good to see England fighting till the end.
Finally a complete performance from India! Batting, bowling, fielding - everything clicked. Jemimah Rodrigues is just a joy to watch, such elegant strokeplay. And Deepti Sharma's experience in the middle overs was crucial. England's transition phase makes sense, but for us, it's all about building momentum now 😊
A well-deserved win for India. Their batting depth was the key difference - even after Smriti fell, they kept the scoring rate up. England's chase never really got going after
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