Women of India secured a resounding victory over Women of the West Indies in the first ODI of their three-match series in Vadodara on Sunday, December 22. The game showed his ability Smriti Mandana with the bat and Renuka Singh Thakur with the ball, leading India to a total victory by 211 runs.
Smriti Mandhana’s masterclass in setting the score
Smriti Mandana she was the top-scorer for India, scoring 91 off 102 balls. Her innings was characterized by elegance and aggression as she hit 13 boundaries, displaying her ability to find gaps and spin the strike effectively.
Mandhana’s innings was instrumental in setting a formidable target for the West Indies. He took the innings after his early dismissal Pratika Rawal (40), her collaboration with Harleen Deol (44) was particularly crucial as they built a solid foundation for India’s innings. The duo added 70 runs for the second wicket, steadying the innings after an early loss. Mandana reached her half-century in style, hitting boundaries with ease and maintaining a quick scoring rate of 89.21.
Mandana’s dismissal came at a critical juncture, when he got a little caught up Zaida Jamesbut by then, he had already created a strong platform for India to post a mammoth total of 314 runs. The innings saw contributions from other players as well, including quick-pitch hits Harmanpreet Kaur (34 minus 23) and Richa Ghosh (26 off 13), which took India past the 300-run mark.
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The bowling brilliance of Renuka Singh Thakur
On the bowling front, Renuka has been nothing short of impressive. She dismantled the West Indies batting line-up with her brilliant bowling performance, claiming five wickets for just 29 runs in her allotted ten overs. Renuka’s spell was instrumental in putting pressure on the West Indies right from the start.
Strike early by striking out Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph without any runs on the board, leaving West Indies reeling at 0-2 in just two overs. Renuka continued their onslaught by taking his crucial wickets Deandra Dottin (8), Shemaine Campbell (21), and Aaliyah Alleyne (13), effectively ensuring that no West Indian batter could settle. Her ability to swing the ball and maintain tight lines made it extremely difficult for the West Indies batsmen to score freely. Renuka was adjudged the best player for her match.
India dismantled the West Indies in the series opener
The match began with India electing to bat first after winning the toss. They posted an impressive total of 314/9 in their 50 overs, with significant contributions from Mandhana and other middle-order batters. In reply, West Indies struggled throughout their innings against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
THE West Indies were bowled out for just 103 runs in 26.2 oversmarking a stark contrast to India’s batting display. The fall of wickets was quick as they lost their first four wickets for just 11 runs. Despite Campbelle’s brief resistance and Affy Fletcher by the end of their run, it was clear that they were very good.
India’s emphatic 211-run win not only sets a positive tone in the series but also highlights their dominance in women’s cricket at home.
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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
