Raut, Raj take India to easy win

India eased to victory over Ireland in Loughborough, a good beginning for the visitors ahead of tougher assignments ahead. The game was reduced to 20 overs a side. India chose to field and restricted Ireland to 107 for 6. Opener Cecelia Joyce made 35 off 45 balls, adding 67 with her twin sister Isobel Joyce, who contributed 32 off 36 balls. Both were dismissed by the off-spin of Archana Das. Ireland lost five wickets for 21 runs before their innings ended.

India lost opener Amita Sharma with the score on seven but there were no hiccups thereafter. Poonam Raut struck a half-century, hitting six fours. She had the support of her experienced captain Mithali Raj, who made an unbeaten 43 in 44 balls. The pair put together a century stand and sealed victory in the 17th over.

India will now take on England in two T20s and five ODIs.