Indian eves lose by 22 runs

Despite a captain's knock by Mithali Raj, the Indian women's team suffered a 22-run loss to England 'A' in their warm-up cricket match that was decided by the Duckworth/Lewis method, on Thursday.

Raj scored 52 runs after both openers were dismissed cheaply in the first 10 overs.

England 'A' won the toss and put India in to bat on a green, damp pitch in the 50-over game at Uppingham School.

India were making steady progress with Raj in the middle, but a lack of support at the other end made scoring difficult for her.

Kathryn Doherty finished with 3-21 from seven overs, after opening bowlers Stephanie Davies (2-15) and Kelly Evenson (1-15) got England 'A' off to a good start by removing the openers.

All the bowlers were backed by exceptional fielding and catching in windy conditions.

In reply, England 'A' got off to a steady start, seeing off the threat of Indian vice-captain Jhulan Goswami.

Davies scored 27 not out and Hannah Lloyd was unbeaten on 23 when rain brought the match to an early finish with England 'A' on 70 for 1, leaving them victorious by the Duckworth/Lewis method.

India's NatWest Women's International Twenty20 match against England will be played under floodlights at Derby on Saturday, August 5.