2nd ODI: Indian eves crush England by 7 wkts; seal series
Mumbai: Opener Smriti Mandhana's stylish 63 was complemented by skipper Mithali Raj's unbeaten 47 as Indian women cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket victory against England to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, here on Monday.
Chasing an easy target of 162, the hosts cantered to the target in 41.1 overs, primarily due to two significant partnerships.
The 73-run stand between Mandhana and Poonam Raut (32 off 65 balls) for the second wicket set the foundation and the 66 runs for the third wicket clinched the issue in favour of 'Women In Blue'.
This was after pacers Shikha Pandey (4/18 in 10 overs) and Jhulan Goswami (4/30 in 8.3 overs) wreaked havoc with their fiery spells to bundle out the opposition for a paltry 161 in 43.3 overs.
The second win on the trot also helped the hosts grab two crucial points to go up the ladder in the ICC Women's ODI championship table.
India won the first game by 66 runs and the third and final game will be played at the same venue on February 28.
"The first half is very important even if you choose to bat. Later on, the wicket eases out because the pitches here are well rolled. I was a bit disappointed with the 10th wicket partnership England got, but I guess, 150-odd, I knew we were always there," skipper Mithali said.
After India lost Jemimah Rodrigues (0) early, Mandhana and one-down Raut steadied the ship. Mandhana hit seven fours and a six in her 74-ball knock while Raut played her usual defensive game with four boundaries to her credit.
Mandhana was in her element, hitting eloquent drives and pulls as England bowlers were taken to task.
Raut, who got a 'life' on 26 after Natalie Sciver dropped her catch on her own bowling, however could not make most of it. Soon after that, she was stumped by Sarah Taylor off Georgia Elwiss, even as, the hosts still required another 88 runs for a victory.
But then skipper Mithali played her part to perfection as she and Mandhana dashed off any hopes that England had harboured.
However, Mandhana was trapped in front of the wicket by Anya Shrubsole, with India requiring another 22 runs. Raj, who is the leading run getter in ODIs, showed her class and stamped her authority, hitting eight fours in the process. Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten on 6 with her captain and fittingly Mithali finished the game with a boundary.