Tejal Hasabnis, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal and Niki Prasad starred as India A chased down 223 with four overs to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the ODI series against England A.

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India A began their one-day series against England A with a convincing seven-wicket victory at Hove on Sunday, producing an all-round performance to chase down a target of 223 with four overs remaining. After England A claimed the preceding T20 series 2-1, the visitors bounced back in style thanks to impressive contributions from Tejal Hasabnis, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Niki Prasad and a disciplined bowling attack.

England A posted 222/6 after opting to bat, but the total proved below par on a surface that offered assistance to the spinners. India A’s bowlers maintained excellent control throughout the innings, restricting the hosts from accelerating despite a crucial middle-order partnership.

England found themselves under pressure early after losing wickets at regular intervals. Wicketkeeper Uma Chetry produced a stunning catch down the leg side to dismiss Jodi Grewcock, while Vaishnavi Sharma removed Ella McCaughan in the slips. Off-spinner Minnu Mani then struck twice in consecutive deliveries, dismissing Davina Perrin and Kira Chathli to reduce England to 77/4.

The innings was revived by a brilliant 109-run fifth-wicket partnership between Grace Scrivens (88) and Charis Pavely (54). The duo steadied England’s innings with composed batting, but India’s bowlers continued to keep the scoring under control. Pavely was eventually caught behind attempting a ramp shot, while Scrivens’ impressive knock ended in the final over when Harleen Deol completed a spectacular diving catch at mid-on.

Chasing 223, India A made a positive start through Priya Punia, who struck five boundaries before falling for 23. Opener Pratika Rawal anchored the innings with a patient 46 off 71 balls, hitting eight boundaries before being dismissed behind the wickets.

The chase was then expertly guided by Harleen Deol, who played a classy innings of 57, reaching her half-century from just 66 deliveries with six fours. Although Deol departed shortly after her milestone, India still required 38 runs in the final 10 overs, leaving the contest finely balanced.

At that stage, Tejal Hasabnis and Niki Prasad ensured there would be no late drama. Hasabnis remained unbeaten on 57, displaying remarkable composure under pressure, while Prasad accelerated brilliantly with an unbeaten 28, smashing five boundaries to finish the chase in style.

With this dominant seven-wicket victory, India A take a 1-0 lead in the ODI series and will look to build on the momentum in the remaining matches. The visitors’ balanced display with both bat and ball highlighted their depth and emerging talent, making for an encouraging start to the tour.