Desperate for their first points in New Zealand, Charlie Dean and Heather Knight led England to a much needed World Cup win over India
Match Report:
ScorecardEngland run through India to grab first win at World Cup
Heather Knight led from the front as England's wait for a first Women's World Cup victory ended in emphatic fashion with a comfortable four-wicket victory over India at Mount Maunganui.
The holders went into the game needing a win to keep their slim hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive after losing their opening three matches.
England managed to eradicate fielding mistakes, which had proved costly against the West Indies and South Africa in particular, to bowl India out for just 134, with Charlie Dean finishing with four wickets in only her second World Cup match.
Love to see an off spinner be aggressive with their flight. Though you need to ensure you get good over spin to the drop ball. That is what we are seeing with Charlie Dean….keep it going 👏🏽👏🏽 #CWC22
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) March 16, 2022
Knight then steered England home with the bat as they chased down India's below-par total with 17 overs remaining.
Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt were both out for just one to leave England starting their chase at 2-4 before a resurgence from Knight and Nat Sciver.
Sciver made 45 and Knight played a captain’s innings, seeing her side over the line as she finished unbeaten on 53.
England won the toss and chose to bowl with Anya Shrubsole claiming her 100th ODI wicket, bowling Yastika Bhatra at the top of the Indian order for just eight.
Despite 35 from Smriti Mandhana, wickets continued to tumble with India slipping to 3-28 then 7-86.
Heather Knight was very clinical today playing only 7% false shots, notching up her 23rd fifty-plus score in ODIs. She scored 48 of her 53 runs through the square on either side & scored no runs down the ground. Captain standing up in a must win game for the team. #CWC22 @IGcom pic.twitter.com/3KQSRlDLHk
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) March 16, 2022
Richa Ghosh made 33 from 56 before being run out by Sciver, but it was not enough for India as they were bowled out for just 134 with 13 overs remaining of their allotted 50 overs.
Dean finished as the pick of the England bowlers with 4-23 while Shrubsole took 2-20.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022
Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Amanda-Jade Wellington. Travelling reserves: Heather Graham, Georgia Redmayne
Australia's World Cup 2022 fixtures
Mar 5: Beat England by 12 runs
Mar 8: Beat Pakistan by seven wickets
Mar 13: Beat New Zealand by 141 runs
Mar 15: Beat West Indies by seven wickets
Mar 19: v India, Eden Park, Auckland, 12pm AEDT
Mar 22: v South Africa, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT
Mar 25: v Bangladesh, Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL WORLD CUP SCHEDULE
Semi-finals
Mar 30: Basin Reserve, Wellington, 8am AEDT
Mar 31: Hagley Park Christchurch, 12pm AEDT
Final
Apr 3: Hagley Park Christchurch, 11am AEDT
All matches to be broadcast in Australia on Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports