India's Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia dismantled England's bowling attack with a 126-run partnership, powering their side to 188-7 at Chelmsford. Rodrigues struck 69 from 31 balls while Bhatia contributed 54, their aggressive batting dismantling England's plans after Lauren Bell's early breakthroughs including Smriti Mandhana first ball.

Chasing 189, England collapsed from 120-3 to 150-8 despite Amy Jones's fluent 67 from 48 balls. The batting lineup's frailties resurfaced under pressure, with extras proving costly as England conceded 21 compared to India's three. Stand-in captain Charlie Dean orchestrated a fightback by removing both set batters in the 14th over, but the damage was already done.

Heather Knight's 310th cap saw her overtake Charlotte Edwards' record, though her 24-ball 21 highlighted middle-order concerns. England's fielding lapses and batting instability raise serious questions before the T20 World Cup begins in June. The returns of Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt from injury cannot come soon enough.

India's fielding standards impressed throughout, holding all chances with composure. Deepti Sharma's late assault of 22 from 13 balls secured the 38-run victory, exposing England's pre-tournament vulnerabilities against quality opposition.