Indian eves go down to England A

London, Aug 3 (UNI) Skipper Mithali Raj's half century went in vain as the Indian eves were handed a 22-run defeat by England A via Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-marred encounter at Uppingham School.

This was a poor beginning by the Indians who play England in the first Test on August 9.

Inserted in a damp pitch, India lost both the openers with Stephanie Davies (2-15) and Kelly Evenson (1-15) doing the trick for the hosts inside the first 10 overs.

Mithali waged a grim battle but didn't have enough support from the other end and Kathryn Doherty was pick of the host bowlers, finishing with 3-21 from seven overs.

England A got off to a sedate start and soon the rain brought the match to an early end. England A were 70 for one at that stage, with Davies batting on 27 and Hannah Lloyd not out on 23. The Duckworth/Lewis method was soon imposed and England A were declared winner by a 22-run margin.

India now play two Twenty20 challenge matches at Uppingham School against MCC Women later today.

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