In a thrilling five-match T20I series, India emerged victorious with a 3-2 series win, marking their first-ever T20I series win on English soil. It was a display of grit, young talent, and evolving tactics. This achievement has naturally elevated expectations ahead of the ODI leg.
Harmanpreet Kaur and her unit now aim to extend this momentum into the longer 50-over format, a crucial blueprint for their World Cup preparation.
Recent Form: ODI Dominance & 300+ Targets
India’s last ODI outing was the Tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa in May 2025, where they remained unbeaten. The team posted scores like 276, 275, 337, and 342, showing a distinct shift in approach toward aggressive batting in ODIs.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted this change:
“In the ODI cricket we’ve been playing for the last couple of years, we’ve always focused on scoring more than 300 with the bat. It gives our bowlers some cushioning.”
This transformation is a result of grooming a power-packed top and middle order and banking on aggressive starts, quick singles, and fearless boundaries.
🇮🇳 India Squad Analysis: Depth in Batting, Concerns in Pace
India’s batting looks rock-solid on paper. Young sensation Pratika Rawal, who leapfrogged Shafali Verma to cement her spot, has already made headlines by becoming the fastest Indian woman to reach 500 ODI runs.
Key Indian Batters:
- Smriti Mandhana (VC): The elegant left-hander remains India’s most consistent run-getter.
- Harmanpreet Kaur (C): Brings experience and big-match temperament.
- Richa Ghosh & Jemimah Rodrigues: Offer balance and finishing power.
- Deepti Sharma & Amanjot Kaur: Strong lower-order contributors with the bat.
While the batting unit is firing on all cylinders, India’s bowling unit is facing a crisis. Star pacers Titas Sadhu, Renuka Singh, and Pooja Vastrakar are all out due to injuries, leaving a noticeable void.
Indian Bowling Unit:
- Arundhati Reddy: Leads the pace attack with her experience.
- Kranti Gaud & Sayali Ganesh: Less experienced, will need to rise to the occasion.
- Spin Strength: A major plus, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, and Radha Yadav — offering variety and control.
England’s Comeback: Ecclestone & Sciver-Brunt Return
England, stung by the T20I defeat, will be desperate to bounce back. They’ve received a massive boost as captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returns after missing the last three T20Is due to a groin injury. Also back in the mix is Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s No. 1 ODI bowler, returning from a knee injury.
England Key Players:
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (C): Their top all-rounder, and match-winner on her day.
- Sophie Ecclestone: Deadly in the middle overs; known for breaking partnerships.
- Tammy Beaumont & Sophia Dunkley: Experienced openers who can anchor or attack.
- Charlie Dean & Kate Cross: Form a dependable bowling partnership.
What to Expect in the 1st ODI?
With both sides eyeing World Cup glory, this series is expected to be high-intensity and tactically rich. India’s aim will be to continue their fearless batting, while managing a slightly under-strength pace attack. England, on the other hand, will look to reassert dominance at home with their returning stars.
Match Details:
- Match: India vs England, 1st ODI
- Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2025
- Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
- Time: 3:30 PM IST / 11:00 AM Local
Key Battles to Watch:
- Smriti Mandhana vs Sophie Ecclestone – battle of India’s best batter vs England’s spin wizard.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt vs Deepti Sharma – all-rounders likely to influence both departments.
- Richa Ghosh’s finishing vs Kate Cross’ death bowling
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