India Women win first Metro Bank ODI in Southampton

India Women 262-6 beat England Women 258-6 by 4 wickets.

India Women claimed four-wicket victory over England in the opening Metro Bank ODI, despite impressive 83-run stand from Sophia Dunkley.

Electing to bat first, England lost early wickets in openers Tammy Beaumont (5) and Amy Jones (1) at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton.

Desperate to build an innings, in-form Emma Lamb reached 39 but fell to India's Sneh Rana (2-31) who also claimed returning England captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, for 41.

Dunkley and Alice Davidson-Richards (53) then delivered a crucial 106-run partnership and with a late cameo from Sophie Ecclestone (23) for the side to reach 258 from their full allocation.

The two teams were side-by-side for much of the second innings, England 55-2 at the end of their powerplay and India 52-1.

Lauren Bell (1-40) struck early, earning the wicket of Smriti Mandhana, applying pressure to India's batter's up front. A switch of pace saw Pratika Rawal fall to Ecclestone (1-34). But even with a run-out from Davidson-Richards and two wickets from Charlie Dean (2-52), the home team were unable to contain India's run chase with a firing Deepti Sharma (62).

Sharma and Amanjot Kaur guided their side to victory with 10 balls to spare.

The must-win second Metro Bank ODI will take place at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday July 19.

Please find audio from Sophia Dunkley's post match press conference HERE.

England Women v India Women Metro Bank One Day International Series

Wednesday 16 July: 1st Metro Bank ODI, England Women v India Women, Utilita Bowl - India Women won by 4 wickets.

Saturday 19 July: 2nd Metro Bank ODI, England Women v India Women, Lord's Cricket Ground, 11:00.

Tuesday 22 July: 3rd Metro Bank ODI, England Women v India Women, Banks Homes Riverside, 13:00.