Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India registered a resounding win on Sunday. They crushed West Indies by 211 runs in the first ODI at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.

According to reports, this victory is India’s second-biggest win in women’s ODIs by runs. Previously, they had defeated Ireland by 249 runs in 2017. Meanwhile, this match marked West Indies’ worst loss by runs in women’s ODI history.

With this win, India has taken an early lead in the series. The team once again showcased their dominance in white-ball cricket.

India Set a Mammoth Target

After winning the toss, West Indies, led by Hayley Matthews, opted to field. However, the decision quickly backfired as Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal built a commanding partnership.

Mandhana displayed brilliant form, scoring 91 runs off 102 balls, including 13 fours. Similarly, Rawal contributed a solid 40 runs off 69 balls with 4 fours. Their 110-run opening stand laid a strong foundation for the team.

Eventually, Matthews broke the partnership in the 24th over by dismissing Rawal. However, by then, India had already gained the upper hand. Mandhana continued her aggressive batting and added 50 runs with Harleen Deol, who scored 44 off 50 balls.

Later, Zaida James dismissed Mandhana in the 32nd over, slightly slowing India’s momentum. Even so, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur joined Harleen and added 66 runs to the total.

India’s middle-order batters capitalized on this start. Richa Ghosh blasted 26 runs off just 13 balls, hitting 4 fours and 1 six. Jemimah Rodrigues followed with a quick 31 runs off 19 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. Deepti Sharma remained unbeaten with 14 runs as India posted a formidable 314/9.

For West Indies, Zaida James stood out with her five-wicket haul, conceding 45 runs. Meanwhile, Matthews chipped in with two wickets during her spell.

West Indies Falter Under Pressure

When chasing 315, West Indies struggled to gain momentum. Renuka Thakur Singh led India’s bowling attack with precision and dismantled the visitors’ batting lineup. She claimed five wickets, leaving West Indies in deep trouble.

Additionally, Priya Mishra picked up two wickets, while Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma grabbed one each. As a result, West Indies were bowled out for just 103 runs in 27 overs.

Despite the collapse, Afy Fletcher showed some resistance with an unbeaten 24 runs off 22 balls, hitting 3 fours. Wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle also contributed 21 runs before falling to Renuka’s fiery spell.

Brief Score

India Women: 314/9

Smriti Mandhana 91(102), Harleen Deol 44 (50), Pratika Rawal 40 (69)

Zaida James 5/45(8)

West Indies Women: 103

Afy Fletcher 24*(22), Shemaine Campbelle 21 (39), Aaliyah Alleyne 13 (23)

Renuka Singh 5/29(10)

Player of The Match

Renuka Thakur Singh received the ‘Player of the Match’ award for her outstanding bowling. Her five-wicket haul played a crucial role in India’s dominant win.

With this comprehensive victory, India has set the tone for the series. The team looks confident and ready to maintain their winning streak.