Ecclestone stars as England down Pakistan in ODI series opener

DERBY: Sophie Ecclestone’s economical bowling figures of 3/26 powered England women to a comfortable 37-run victory over Pakistan women in the first ODI of the three-match series here at County Ground on Thursday.

England went 1-0 up in the three-match series against Pakistan, part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Championship.

Put into bat first, England notched up a commendable total of 243/9 in the allotted 50 overs despite Nida Dar’s three wickets.

In-form Alice Capsey top-scored for the home side with a gutsy 44-run knock with the help of three boundaries.

Besides her, wicketkeeper Amy Jones made a notable contribution with her 38-ball 37. Jones was closely followed by opener Tammy Beaumont (33), Nat Sciver-Brunt (31) and skipper Heather Knight (29).

For Pakistan, Nida Dar picked up three wickets, followed by Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu and Umm-e-Hani, who bagged two wickets each.

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Set to chase 244, Pakistan women only managed 206/9 despite a decent start to the pursuit.

Pakistan women’s batters had trouble scoring freely against a disciplined England bowling attack.

Muneeba Ali top-scored for the touring side with a 34 but conceded 60 deliveries in the process and struck only one boundary.

Besides her, opening batter Sadaf Shams (28 off 48) and wicketkeeper batter Najiha Alive (26 off 57) were the other batters, who scored at a dismal strike rate.

Skipper Nida Dar (26) and all-rounder Aliya Riaz (21) also chipped in but their efforts too, were not enough to steer Pakistan to victory.

Sophie Ecclestone picked up three wickets while Kate Cross, Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean took two wickets apiece.

England women and Pakistan women will now compete in the second ODI of the three-match series in Taunton on May 26.

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