India Women achieved a massive 211-run victory against West Indies Women in Vadodara, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
This was the first-ever international game at the new stadium, and Harmanpreet Kaur’s team made it a memorable occasion. India excelled in all departments and outperformed the visitors. While the batters set the stage, it was the bowlers who stole the show. Renuka Singh Thakur, who claimed her maiden five-wicket haul in WODIs, was named the Player of the Match.
After winning the toss, Hayley Matthews chose to bowl first. Pratika Rawal, making her debut, opened the innings with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The duo gave India a solid start, building a 110-run partnership. Despite some early nerves, and with the help of some sloppy fielding from the West Indies, Pratika grew more confident as her innings progressed. She eventually fell for 40, a soft dismissal off Matthews’ bowling.
Harleen Deol joined Smriti at the crease and supported her brilliantly. Smriti showed her consistency once again, scoring 91 before being dismissed. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur then arrived and hammered the bowlers during her quick 23-ball stay, smashing 34 runs at a strike rate of 147.82. Harleen narrowly missed her fifty, getting out for 44.
For the Latest Sports News: Click Here
Richa Ghosh, promoted up the order, capitalised on the solid foundation. She continued her explosive form from the last T20I. However, a miscommunication in the 42nd over led to Harmanpreet being run out. Jemimah Rodrigues played a fine cameo, scoring 31 off 19 balls. India posted a formidable total of 314/9 in 50 overs, their second-highest total in women’s ODIs at home. For the West Indies, Zaida James stood out with figures of 5/45 in eight overs.
In response, the West Indies crumbled. Qiana Joseph was run out on the first ball due to being sluggish start off the mark. Renuka then dismissed Matthews in her second over and removed the dangerous Deandra Dottin in her next. The visitors were reeling at 26/5 after 11 overs.
Only Shemaine Campbelle (21), Aaliyah Alleyne (13) and Afy Fletcher (24*) managed to reach double figures. The tourists were all out for just 103 in 26.2 overs. Harmanpreet’s one-handed stunner to dismiss Alleyne summed up India’s excellent fielding effort. Renuka finished with remarkable figures of 5/29 in 10 overs. Priya Mishra picked up two wickets, while Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma claimed one each.
Brief Score: India 314/9 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 91; Zaida James 5/45) beat West Indies 103 all out in 26.2 overs (Afy Fletcher 24*; Renuka Thakur 5/29 in 10 overs) by 211 runs
Also Read: “India not going to just give us the game”: Deandra Dottin ahead of ODI series