India’s dominant performance against West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series was nothing short of impressive. The Women in Blue showcased clinical prowess, securing a record-breaking 211-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on December 22.
The day was a memorable one for India, particularly for vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who extended her excellent form with the bat. Mandhana, who has been in splendid touch, struck a classy 91 off 102 balls.
Her innings was crucial in propelling India to a formidable total of 314/9. Alongside debutant Pratika Rawal, who contributed a steady 40 off 69 balls, Mandhana shared a 110-run opening partnership that gave India the perfect foundation.
Her performance was part of a collective batting effort where other key players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, Richa Ghosh, and Jemimah Rodrigues all made valuable contributions.
Kaur scored a quickfire 34 off 23 balls, while Harleen Deol added 44 off 50 balls. Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with cameos, 26 off 12 balls and 31 off 19 balls respectively, taking India past the 300-mark.
On the other hand, West Indies had a day to forget. Their innings began disastrously, with an early run-out of Qiana Joseph for a diamond duck, followed by the quick departures of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin.
At 11-3, their chances of recovery were slim. Despite a solid effort from Afy Fletcher and Shemaine Campbelle, who both managed to reach the 20-run mark, the West Indies could not recover. The Indian bowlers, led by pacer Renuka Singh, were ruthless in their approach.
Renuka made history by bagging her maiden five-wicket haul, finishing with remarkable figures of 5/29. Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, and Deepti Sharma also played key roles in the bowling attack, with Mishra and Deepti finishing off the West Indies’ innings.
West Indies were all out for just 103 in 26.2 overs, handing India a resounding victory.
India’s clinical bowling attack ensured that they cruised to victory with ease. Renuka Singh’s five-wicket haul was the standout performance, but the support from other bowlers was equally important.
Titas Sadhu’s early breakthrough and the tight spells from Mishra and Deepti sealed the win for India, making the West Indies’ chase virtually impossible.
India’s comprehensive win in the first ODI serves as a confidence booster as they look to extend their dominance in the series. With Smriti Mandhana continuing her great form and the bowlers executing their plans to perfection, India will head into the next two matches with a strong mindset.
The match was also a successful debut for Pratika Rawal, who made a solid start in her ODI career, showcasing the depth of talent in India’s squad. The team will now look forward to carrying this momentum into the next match and securing the series victory.
For the West Indies, it was a tough outing, and they will need to regroup quickly for the next match. The batting collapse, coupled with an inability to build partnerships, will be a concern for them. However, they will look to bounce back in the coming matches with a more composed performance.
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