India Women secured a 38-run victory over England Women in the opening T20I of their three-match series at Chelmsford on Thursday, taking a 1-0 lead.

Chasing 189, England showed determination but were unable to build on key phases, finishing on 150 for 8. England captain Charlotte Dean acknowledged the side fell short despite a fighting effort.

“Two early wickets. But they kept scoring runs despite those early wickets. They had wickets in hand. Played really well. Proud of the effort in hot conditions,” Dean said. She added: “Bell bowled well at the start and the death. Disappointing not to get over the line.”

Dean also noted the match was “reminiscent of the game we had against New Zealand in Canterbury,” where the game slipped away despite a solid platform. She praised wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones, who scored a resilient 67 from 48 balls, as a standout performer amid an inconsistent batting display. “Jones was brilliant,” she said.

Regarding momentum, Dean pointed to a decisive partnership during the match and acknowledged the team is in a transition phase. “The difference was that massive partnership. We are working on a younger middle-order,” she added.

After India were put in to bat, they lost Smriti Mandhana early but recovered through a strong partnership between Yastika Bhatia, who made 54 off 40 balls, and Jemimah Rodrigues, who anchored the innings with 69 off 40 deliveries. Contributions from Deepti Sharma late in the innings helped India post a competitive total of 188 for 7.

England's bowling was led by Lauren Bell, who took three wickets, and Tilly Corteen-Coleman, who provided disciplined spells in the middle overs. In reply, England lost early wickets before Jones's fighting innings, supported briefly by Heather Knight.