Derby: Riding on a brilliant 144-run partnership between openers Smriti Mandhana and Punam Raut followed by half-century from Mithali Raj, India posted a strong 281/3 against England in the opening match of the ICC Women’s cricket World Cup here today.
While Smriti and Punam smashed 90 and 86 runs respectively, skipper Raj contributed with 71 runs and Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 24 runs.
Earlier, India were put into bat after losing the toss however, Smriti and Punam provided a good start to the Indian innings making the host bowlers struggle hard for wickets.
It was in the 27th over when England got their first breakthrough when off-spinner Heather Knight dismissed Smriti, who was inching towards his century.
Punam was then joined by Raj and the duo stiched a 78-run partnership to take their team past the 200-run mark.
Punam was later sent back to pavillion by Danielle Hazell in the 43rd over with India’s scoreboard reading 222 runs.
The Indian skipper was then joined by Kaur and they added 59 runs in the remaining overs to put 281 runs against the host.
For England, Knight picked two wickets for 41 runs while Hazell scalped one wicket giving 51 runs.
Brief scores: India 281/3 (Punam Raut 86, Smriti Mandhana 90; Heather Knight 2/41) against England.
