England win ODI series

London, Aug 25 (UNI) Indian eves were once again let down by their batting as England took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the ongoing five-match ODI series with a three-wicket win in the fourth game at the Rose Bowl.

After being put in to bat by England, the Indians were held to 192 for eight in their 50 overs. The hosts achieved the target with 4.2 overs and three wickets to spare.

Defending the total, Jhulan Goswami (3-20) was spitting fire and gave England early jitters. However, Player-of-the-match Sarah Taylor hit a chanceless 61 at brisk pace at almost a run-a-ball and was ably supported by Jenny Gunn (46) and Claire Taylor (36).

Earlier, Indian skipper Mithali Raj (47) and Anjum Chopra (53) were the only notable contributions before a quickfire 40 off 46 balls by Hemlata Kala made the total respectable.

It was poor running between the wicket that proved to be the Indians undoing. Four Indians, including Mithali, fell short of their crease in the match.

The hosts struck two early blows as Rumeli Dhar was caught by Laura Newton, from Gunn and the score was one for two when Karu Jain was run-out by some smart fielding from Indian-born Isa Guha.

Mithali and Anjum steadied the ship with a century stand before Gunn's throw from the deep undid Raj for 47.

Anjum found another able partner in Hemlata Kala as the pair combined in a fifty partnership before Chopra skied a drive to Gunn at backward point from the bowling of Guha, after hitting 53, which included two fours. Kala's late heroics guided India to a respectable total.

Brief Score: India: (Anjum Chopra 53, Mithali Raj 47, Hemlata Kala 40 Jenny Gunn 1-16) England: (Sarah Taylor 61, Jenny Gunn 46 Jhulan Goswami 3-20) UNI XC DH PM KN1612