In the first match of the three-match women’s T20I series at Chelmsford, India produced a strong performance to defeat England by 38 runs.India, playing without regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, initially faced setbacks as stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for a golden duck and Shafali Verma managed only two runs.However, Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia counter-attacked effectively, putting together a 126-run partnership for the third wicket.Rodrigues scored 69 off 40 balls while Yastika marked her comeback with a brisk 54 off 40 balls.India posted a total of 188 for seven.In response, England lost early wickets, including Sophia Dunkley and Alice Capsey, putting them on the back foot.Amy Jones fought with a 67-run innings, but debutant pacer Nandani Sharma made the crucial breakthrough, taking three important wickets.Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, and Deepti Sharma supported well, restricting England to 150 for eight.The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the series, which is significant as they prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting June 12.This match highlighted India’s bench strength and the return of Yastika after knee surgery, alongside the promising debut of Nandani.