England women clinch series

Chasing a revised target of 99 from 21 overs, England lost just two wickets before romping home to ensure the series win.

Losing opener Karuna Jain 4 early in the innings meant the visitors did not get the start they expected and the first rain-interruption came when the match was into its sixth over.

When play resumed, Jaya Sharma 42 and Mithali 55 not out put their foot down and ensured there were no further setbacks but run rate took a nosedive as both of them retreated into a cocoon of sorts for the major part of their knocks.

They mixed overriding caution with rare aggression and added 98 runs for the second wicket before Nicki Shaw had Jaya stumped after a cautious 94-ball 42 that included four fours. Mithali and Amita Sharma 11 not out were going steady before rain truncated the innings. Mithali8217;s unbeaten 55 came off 79 balls and included five boundaries.

With the target revised to 99 from 21 overs, England eves had a relatively easy job at hand and opener Sarah Taylor struck a brisk 24 off 17 balls to set them on course for a facile win.

Though India managed to return Sarah and her captain Charlotte Edwards 25, veteran Claire Taylor, playing her 100th match, made an unbeaten 29 to see the side through with 4.2 overs to spare.

Brief scores: India: 126 for 2 in 35.2 overs Mithali Raj 55 not out, Amita Sharma 42 lost to England: 99 for 2 in 16.4 overs Claire Taylor 29 not out, Sarah Taylor 24.