England see off India after Tammy Beaumont makes quickfire half-century

Beaumont made 62 to lay the foundation for the tourists' 160 for 4 in the first innings, before India were restricted to 119 for 6 in reply

Guwahati: England 160-4, India 119-6 - England won by 41 runs

Tammy Beaumont's half-century set the tone as England beat India by 41 runs in the first T20I in Guwahati.

Beaumont made 62 to lay the foundation for the tourists' 160 for 4 in the first innings, before India were restricted to 119 for 6 in reply.

On a good wicket, the Kent batter and Danni Wyatt (35) combined for their fifth fifty partnership in IT20 cricket as England reached 80 without loss after 10 overs. India's spinners began to claw back the momentum but a superb cameo from Heather Knight (40 from 20 balls) took England to 160 for 4.

A competitive total, but England wanted early wickets and they got them. First stand-in keeper Beaumont, deputising for the unwell Amy Jones, took a smart catch off Katherine Brunt before Linsey Smith took two in two to put England in the ascendancy.

WOMEN'S CRICKET HUB

Having lost early wickets India were never really in the hunt.

Beaumont said afterwards: "It was a brilliant team performance. Everyone stuck their hand up when it mattered and made a contribution. Given the adversity of the last 48 hours, with illness and injury, I think that was really impressive.

"It was hard to know what a good total was but Danni and I were able to get off to a good start - particularly her - and it was nice to be able to join in and push on.

"It's always nice to bat with her and to put on a good partnership, especially in the first game of a series.

"The bowlers found the right length for the wicket really early and then they continued to nail their length, which made it hard for India to hit over the top. Kate Cross was great, and Linsey Smith also deserves a mention for her early wickets."

Report courtesy of the ECB