Cricket: Smithies overhauls Indians

CAPTAIN KAREN SMITHIES completed a maiden international century and struck the final ball to the boundary to secure a three-wicket victory for England in the third and final women's one-day international against India yesterday.

England needed four runs off the final delivery at Trent Bridge to overhaul India's 220 for 5. Smithies hit the ball to midwicket and it trickled to the rope despite despairing dives from two fielders. Smithies' match- winning effort was 110 from 146 balls.

England, who lost the first two matches of the series, had always been behind the asking rate until 27 off 23 deliveries from Suzanne Redfearn.

A late flurry from Hemlata Kala had enabled India to post the highest score of the series. She hit an unbeaten 33 off 34 balls with three fours and a six.

Left-arm spinner Clare Connor, who picked up a hat-trick in the second game, was again the pick of the English bowlers and she finished with 3 for 43.