Mithali's fifty only saving grace as Indian eves lose ODI to England

London, Aug 15 (UNI) Skipper Mithali Raj (59) waged a lonely battle for India as England -- riding on a brilliant 156 by Claire Taylor -- registered a comfortable 100-run win in the rain-delayed opening match of the NatWest ODI series at Lord's here.

The Indians, chasing a target of 253, were held to 153 for seven in the match which was reduced to 48 overs a side after rain prevented the play from getting started on time.

The Indian eves opted to field first after winning the toss and got the first breakthrough within eight minutes of the match getting started when England captain Charlotte Edwards (0) was run out.

Her dismissal brought in Taylor, who combined with vice-captain Laura Newton to steady the innings for England after the initial blow.

The duo put on a century partnership before Newton was also run out after making a 92-ball 51, which included three hits to the fence.

However, Taylor continued to propel the total forward in another rapid century stand with Jenny Gunn (32), before Jhulan Goswami broke the partnership by dismissing Gunn off the final ball of the England innings, as the hosts posted a daunting 253 for three.

In reply, India made a poor start slumping to 20 for three after the top-order failed to click. Rumeli Dhar (5), Sulakshana Naik (4) and Anjum Chopra (3) departed without contributing much and the stoic effort by Mithali proved to be the only saving grace for the visitors.

Mitahli put up a small partnership with Hemlata Kala (19) to push the total to 70 before her partner fell to Isa Guha.

A late fightback by Reema Malhotra (27) added respectability to the scorecard. However, Mithali's departure -- caught by Guha off Beth Morgan -- ended any hopes of victory. Mithali's fighting innings came off 111 balls and included three fours.

Malhotra followed her captain back to the pavillion soon, after being trapped leg before by Morgan.

Asha Rawat was the last to go becoming the third victim of Morgan as India failed to get anywhere close to the English total.

Brief Scores: England: 253 for three in 48 overs ( Claire Taylor 156, Jhulan Goswami 1/32) India: 153 for seven in 48 overs (Mithali Raj 59, Beth Morgan 3/39) UNI XC PM RL RN1136