Mithali, Anjum put India 2-1 ahead

Skipper Mithali Raj and opener Karuna Jain cracked scintillating half-centuries as Indian eves thrashed England by eight wickets in the third one-day international match here today to take 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Electing to bat, England made a modest 215-7 which the hosts managed to surpass in 40.4 overs.

India showed attacking form with the bat as Mithali Raj played a captain’s knock and remained unbeaten on 65 in 81 balls with eight fours. She was ably supported by Karuna Jain (64) and a rampaging Anjum Chopra (40). Openers Karuna Jain and Jaya Sharma laid a strong foundation for the home team on a slow wicket as they forged a strong opening partnership of 67 runs before Jaya fell at 24, but not before hitting three fours and a six.

Brief scores: England: 215-7 in 50 overs (C Edwards 66, LNewton 40, N Khadeer 3-46) lost to India: 216-2 in 40.4 overs (Karuna 64, Mithali Raj 65 n.o, Anjum Chopra 40 n.o).