ENG-W vs IND-W : Sophie Ecclestone strikes with a genius arm‑ball to dismiss Pratika Rawal in the 1st ODI

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In the opening ODI of three-game series between England and India at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, Sophie Ecclestone delivered a moment of brilliance that broke a threatening Indian partnership. Pratika Rawal, who had anchored the innings confidently with a steady 36 off 51 balls, was undone by a masterfully disguised arm-ball.

Bowling round the wicket, Ecclestone produced a deceptive arm-ball, a variation that’s become her trademark, which pitched on a tight line outside off and skidded back in sharply with the angle. Pratika, who had been attempting to rotate strike and manipulate gaps on the off side, misjudged the trajectory entirely. Expecting turn, she waited on the back foot, likely preparing to guide the ball to deep third, but the delivery didn’t oblige.

Instead, it continued with the arm, cramping her for room, and with her bat trailing behind, it snuck through the narrow gate and clattered into the stumps. Rawal’s late reaction and the cramped back-foot position meant she never got into a strong shape to play the ball. It was a case of brilliant deception, Ecclestone never gave her a visual clue that it would hold its line.

The bowler’s subtle wrist adjustment and flatter trajectory were enough to outfox the batter. It was a moment that showcased not just Ecclestone’s skill but her deep understanding of angles and conditions, delivering a wicket when her team needed it the most. Her immediate roar of triumph and animated celebration reflected the significance of removing India’s set opener, a strategic scalp that shifted the rhythm of the innings.

ECCY! 🔥

Crucial wicket from Sophie Ecclestone 🙌

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 16, 2025

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In a thrilling series opener at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, India clinched a commanding 4-wicket win over England with 10 balls to spare, chasing down a competitive target of 259. After England posted 258/6 riding on Sophia Dunkley’s fluent 83 and a steady 53 from Davidson-Richards, India’s top and middle order responded with grit and composure. Pratika anchored the innings early with a calm 36, while Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with a vital 48.

But it was Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 62 off 64 balls that proved decisive. Entering at a tricky stage, Deepti took the game deep, combining caution with calculated aggression, finishing things off with help from Amanjot Kaur’s brisk 20 not out. Earlier with the ball, Sneh Rana starred with a miserly 2/31, supported by Kranti Goud’s fiery opening spell that dismantled England’s top order. Despite Ecclestone’s sharp bowling and Dean’s twin strikes, England couldn’t break through Deepti’s composure. Her all-round influence rightfully earned her Player of the Match, as India now take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series.

Also READ: ENG-W vs IND-W: Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 62 propels India to victory in 1st ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.