Jemimah's 69 & Yastika's 54 power India to 38-run win over England in 1st T20I
Synopsis
Staring down the barrel at 7/2 in the first over, India women turned the game on its head. Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia's 126-run stand rewrote the script, debutant Nandni Sharma did the rest with the ball, and India walked away with a 38-run win — their second-biggest over England in Women's T20Is.
Key Takeaways
Jemimah Rodrigues scored 69 off 40 balls and was named Player of the Match in the 1st T20I at Chelmsford .
Yastika Bhatia struck 54 off 40 deliveries ; the pair added 126 runs for the third wicket after India were 7/2 in the first over.
India posted 188/7 in 19.5 overs and restricted England to 150/8 , winning by 38 runs .
Debutant pacer Nandni Sharma claimed 3/34 on her international debut.
Amy Jones top-scored for England with 67 but could not prevent the defeat.
The result gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series — their second-biggest win over England in Women's T20Is.
Jemimah Rodrigues struck a fluent 69 off 40 balls and credited partner Yastika Bhatia for sharing the pressure during a match-winning 126-run third-wicket stand as India defeated England by 38 runs in the first T20I of the three-match series at the County Ground, Chelmsford, on 29 May. The victory hands India a 1-0 series lead and marks their second-biggest win over England in Women's T20Is.
Recovery from a Shaky Start
India were in early trouble, reduced to 7/2 in the very first over after Lauren Bell struck twice with sharp movement. Rodrigues walked in under pressure and steadied the ship alongside Yastika, who contributed a brisk 54 off 40 deliveries. Their partnership transformed a precarious position into a platform, ultimately propelling India to 188/7 in 19.5 overs.
Rodrigues Credits Yastika
Collecting the Player of the Match award, Rodrigues was generous in her praise. 'Lot of credit to Yastika. She took a load off me. That partnership was crucial,' she said. She added that reading the conditions quickly was equally important: 'We assessed the conditions well. I think it was about playing the situation. T20 is all about momentum. It was important to be positive and patient.'
On the surface and Bell's early threat, Rodrigues explained her tactical adjustment: 'Initially, Bell got some movement. For an English pitch, there was some hold. Playing square off the wicket helped. My game is more about picking gaps. I trust my instincts and play my game.'
Debutant Nandni Sharma Steals the Show
With the ball, debutant pacer Nandni Sharma was the standout performer, claiming figures of 3/34 on her international debut. England's chase was kept alive briefly by Amy Jones, who top-scored with a fighting 67, but India's bowlers held firm to bundle England out for 150/8, sealing the 38-run victory.
Rodrigues Lively in the Field Too
Beyond her batting, Rodrigues was conspicuous in the field throughout England's chase. 'I enjoy fielding. Today felt like a yo-yo session. I love fielding in the hot spots,' she said. This all-round contribution underscored why she walked away with the match award. This is the second match in this series where India have demonstrated the ability to bat through adversity — a sign of growing depth in the women's side. The remaining two T20Is will reveal whether India can press home their advantage.
Point of View
But the real story is structural: India are building a middle order that does not panic. If this template holds across the series, England will struggle to find an answer.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the 1st Women's T20I between India and England at Chelmsford?
India defeated England by 38 runs in the first T20I at the County Ground, Chelmsford, on 29 May, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It is India's second-biggest win over England in Women's T20Is.
How did Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia rescue India's innings?
India were in serious trouble at 7/2 in the opening over before Rodrigues (69 off 40) and Yastika (54 off 40) added 126 runs for the third wicket, lifting India to 188/7. Rodrigues later said the partnership was 'crucial' and credited Yastika for taking pressure off her.
Who was the standout bowler for India against England?
Debutant pacer Nandni Sharma was the pick of India's bowlers, returning figures of 3/34 on her international debut. Her performance helped restrict England to 150/8 despite Amy Jones' fighting 67.
Why did Jemimah Rodrigues win the Player of the Match award?
Rodrigues was awarded Player of the Match for her innings of 69 off 40 balls, which anchored India's recovery from 7/2, and for her lively fielding contribution during England's chase.
What conditions did India face at the County Ground, Chelmsford?
According to Rodrigues, Lauren Bell generated early movement on a surface that offered some grip and hold, which is unusual for an English pitch. India adjusted by playing square of the wicket and focusing on gap-finding rather than power hitting.
