Mithali inspires ODI series win

Nagpur: Skipper Mithali Raj led from the front with an unbeaten 74 as India Women outclassed England by eight wickets in the third and final One Day International here and clinched the series 2-1.

After India spinners restricted England to a modest 201/9, opener Smriti Mandhana (53 retired hurt), Mithali and Deepti Sharma (54 not out) ensured that the hosts crossed the line with 4.4 overs to spare. India had won the first match by one wicket while England had levelled the series after they defeated the hosts by eight wickets in the second game.

But India eves dished out a clinical performance with both the bat and ball. For England, wicket-keeper Amy Jones (94) top scored but she failed to find partners.The spinners wreaked havoc on English batters, as they shared six wickets, while veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami (2-39) too chipped in. Off-spinner Deepti Sharma (2-35), left-arm orthodox bowler Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2-32) and leg spinner Poonam Yadav (2-47) were among the wickets.

Skipper Heather Knight chipped in with 36 runs, but it was Jones, with seven fours and a six in her knock, who ensured that England went beyond the 200-run mark. While chasing, Mandhana gave a brisk start and complemented Raj. After the left-handed Mandhana was retired hurt, Deepti Sharma joined the captain and the two took India home.Brief scores: England 201/9 (Amy Jones 94, Heather Knight 36, Rajeshwari Gaikwad 2/32) lost to India 202/2 in 45.2 overs (Mithali Raj 74no, Deepti Sharma 54no, Anya Shrubsole 2/37).