In the first match of the three-match T20I series, England defeated the Indian women's team by 18 runs by the Duckworth-lewis method. During England's innings, Indian fielder Harleen Deol pulled off an absolute stunning catch on the boundary that brought to an end Amy Ellen Jones' brilliant inning. On the last ball of the 19th over of England's innings, wicketkeeper Amy Jones hit a big shot off Shikha Pandey's ball.
Harleen Deol, who was fielding on the boundary, stretched full length to grasp the ball but with the momentum taking her over the boundary ropes, she showed great presence of mind to throw the ball in the air, and then jump back into the field of play to complete the catch. This video went viral on social media. Former India batsman VVS Laxman even called Harleen Deol's effort "as good a catch one will ever see on a cricket field".
Batting first, in the rain-affected game, the English team scored 177 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. Chasing a mammoth target of 178 runs, the Indian team scored 54 runs in 8.4 overs for the loss of three wickets and the match was interrupted. England was declared winner under the DLS. Chasing the target of 178 runs, Team India had a very poor start. Shefali Verma got out without opening the account. After this, Smriti Mandhana scored 29 runs off 17 balls.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored just 1 run. Harleen remained not out on 17 runs off 24 balls. The match was called off in 8.4 overs due to rain. Till that time, the Indian team could only score 54 runs for 3 wickets. On the other hand, Natalie Sciver and Amy Jones played brilliant innings for the team. Sciver scored 55 off 27 balls, while Jones scored 43 runs.
