ENGLAND skipper Heather Knight heaped praised on Minety's Fran Wilson for her battling innings despite the hosts' losing start to the Women's World Cup today.

India emerged victors by 35 runs at Derby after running up 281 for three to set England what would have been the second-highest successful run chase in women's one-day international history.

Four run-outs, including the key wickets of Wilson, Knight and Katherine Brunt (24), undermined England's run chase, but Knight felt it was their bowling at the start of India's innings which ultimately proved costly.

Wilson's 81 and 46 from Knight had kept England in contention but they fell short in the end, bowled out for 246.

The 25 year old's knock was her best in ODI international cricket and Knight saluted her efforts in a losing cause.

Knight said: "Fran battled brilliantly, I'm really pleased for her, and definitely when her and Katherine were going we felt we were in a really good position.

"I think it was a brilliant match, credit to India I think they outplayed us and they bowled very well and obviously took the game away from us with the bat.

"Really nice to have a good game of cricket but disappointing not to come away with the win."