Xtra Time Web Desk: Debutants Sneh Rana (80*) and Taniya Bhatia (44*) shared an unbeaten 104-run stand for the ninth wicket to secure a memorable draw for India in the one-off women”s Test against England at the Bristol County Ground on Saturday.
Rana top-scored with an unbeaten 80 off 154 balls to frustrate the England bowlers with two crucial partnerships down the order with Shikha Pandey and Bhatia (44 not out off 88) respectively.
The 27-year-old Rana had taken four wickets in the first innings with her off spin, making her comeback into national team even more special .
The two teams eventually decided to shake hands after 121.2 overs.
Earlier India resumed the final day at 83 for one but lost talented Shafali Verma (63) early. Sharma then joined hands with Punam Raut (39) and added 72 runs to take India to 171 for three at lunch.
But the visitors lost four quick wickets for 28 runs to stare down the barrel at one stage before Rana and Pandey batted for almost 17 overs to stem the rot as India took tea at 243 for 8 with 40 overs still remaining in the match.
After the break, Rana continued in the same vein as she smashed 13 fours in her 154-ball innings to take India”s lead across the 150-mark.
For England, Sophie Ecclestone (4/118) was the best bowler, while Sciver took a couple of wickets.
Scores: England Women 396/9 declared
India Women 231 & 344/8