In a rain-dented yet riveting contest at Lord’s, Amy Jones stood tall amidst clouds and chaos, guiding England women to a commanding 8-wicket win over India. With this, England levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1, setting up a mouth-watering decider at Chester-le-Street. But this match will be remembered not for the DLS drama but for Amy Jones’ calm, calculated and confident batting display.
Rain Disrupts, England Dominates
From the start, the weather played a spoilsport. Persistent showers meant the game was reduced to 29 overs per side. India were put in to bat after losing the toss, and from there things began to unravel. Despite a gritty 42 from Smriti Mandhana and an unbeaten 30 from Deepthi Sharma, India could only muster 143 for 8.
The English bowlers, led by Sophie Ecclestone (3/27), kept India in check with tight lines and smart variations. England’s response was clinical, especially from the openers. Tammy Beaumont (34) gave the innings a lively start, but it was Amy Jones who truly dictated the pace of the chase.
Amy Jones: The clam in the storm
Walking in with poise and purpose, Amy Jones never let the rain affect the focus. She read the pitch, rotated the strike, picked up the gaps and showed why she’s one of England’s most trusted batters in pressure situations. Her unbeaten 46 off 57 balls wasn’t flashy, but it was pure class.
She partnered first with Beaumont and later with Nat Sciver Burnt, building partnerships that slowly pulled the game away from India. Even though the rain interrupted again at 102/ 1 in the 19th over, Jones didn’t lose pace. Once the target was revised to 115 in 24 overs, England needed just 13 more runs, which they achieved comfortably in 21 overs.
Indian Bowlers Fail to Make Early Inroads
India’s bowling lacked penetration in the powerplay. The pacers struggled with their lengths and only Sneha Rana and Gaud looked threatening. Gaud’s dismissal of Scriver Brunt clean blow with a sharp delivery was a rare highlight in an otherwise disappointing bowling effort.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the downfall
” We didn’t bat well enough. Our blowers couldn’t get early breakthroughs. England deserved this win.”
Series now set for a thrilling finale
With the series tied 1-1, all eyes now turn to July 22, where the final ODI at Chester -le-street promises drama, emotion, and a fight for pride. India will need to regroup quickly, especially in their batting strategy. England, on the other hand, have momentum and Amey Jones is the silent warrior.
Grace under pressure
In a match full of rain breaks and revised targets, Amy Jones emerged as the difference maker. Her bat spoke with grace and authority, reminding us that cricket isn’t just about big scores, it’s about timing, temperament, and taking control when it matters a lot.
Also Read: ENG-W vs IND-W: Sophie Ecclestone’s 3/27 Steals Show In England’s Win