Chelmsford, May 28 -- India Women emphatically began their England tour with a clinical victory over the hosts in the first T20I at Chelmsford by 38 runs.

A complete team performance powered by brilliant batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding helped India secure a convincing win and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

After being asked to bat first, India suffered an early blow when opener Smriti Mandhana departed cheaply. However, the innings quickly gained momentum as Yastika Bhatia and Jemimah Rodrigues added vital runs.

Yastika played a fluent knock of 54 runs from 40 deliveries, smashing 9 fours and a six at a strike rate above 130.

Rodrigues then anchored the innings superbly with a magnificent 69 off 40 balls, ...