The England women made the perfect start to their tour of India, registering a convincing 10-wicket victory over India Under-21 in their first warm-up game, at the Kailash Prakash stadium in Meerut on Thursday.
Needing just 148 for win in 50 overs, England captain Charlotte Edwards led her side to the impressive victory, striking a an unbeaten 91 off only 71 balls, studded with 16 hits to the fence.
She was adjudged the woman-of-the-match for her sterling performance.
Partnering with her for the opening stand was Laura Newton, who remained unbeaten on 51, scored off 63 balls, including four boundaries and two over it, as England reached the winning total in 22.2 overs.
Earlier, India Under-21 experienced a batting collapse after electing to bat first. After a cautious start, they meekly surrendered to the English bowlers, who sent back five top order Indian batters with the score on 79.
However, Indian captain Diana David stood like a rock and added 40 runs for the sixth wicket with Dipti Dhyani (8) to see her side go past the 100-run mark.
Diana remained not out on 40 as India Under-21 posted 147 for seven in the stipulated 50 overs.
Thirsh Kamini was the other Indian girl who put up some resistance with a patient 26 off 70 balls.
For the visitors, Laura Harper did most of the damage, claiming three wickets for 16 runs.
Katherine Bruni scalped two for 18.
Brief scores: India Under-21 147 for 7 in 50 overs (Diana Devid 40 not out, Thrish Kamini 26; Laura Harper 3/16, Katherine Bruni 2/18) lost to England 149 for no loss (Charlotte Edwards 91 not out, Laura Newton 51 not out).
