England defeated India by 64 runs in their NatWest Series encounter at the Oval today. Ronnie Irani's all-round display was the main reason for the victory with the Essex skipper hitting 53 runs and taking five wickets for 26 runs as India were dismissed for 165.
His contribution to England's score was his first one-day international half-century, in his 16th appearance, and his five-wicket haul the best return in a one-day international at this ground.
England's 229 for eight was based around the half-centuries from the Midas touch Irani and Andrew Flintoff, who were moved up the order in the quest for quick runs. The pair shared in a third-wicket stand of 76 in just over 11 overs before Flintoff failed to get enough wood on an attempt at a second six and was caught at long-on for a 38-ball 51.
That impetus was carried on by Michael Vaughan, who plundered 30 off just 17 deliveries, as 94 were scored in 10 overs between 20 and 30. But a late clatter of wickets, including three in three balls for the Indians, prevented England reaching 240, the total set them by Sri Lanka in a match reduced to the same number of overs a week ago.
Filed by Johnny Proby
