Smriti Mandhana’s Heroics and Renuka Thakur Singh’s Five-Wicket Haul Lead India to Record-Breaking Victory
Vadodara (Gujarat), December 23: Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India delivered a commanding performance, defeating West Indies Women by a staggering 211 runs in the first ODI of the series at Kotambi Stadium, marking their second-biggest victory by runs in women’s ODI history, according to ESPNcricinfo.
This crushing defeat also stands as the West Indies Women’s largest loss by runs in their ODI history. The emphatic victory gave India a 1-0 lead in the series and showcased their dominance in white-ball cricket.
India Sets a Formidable Total
- After losing the toss and being sent to bat, openers Smriti Mandhana (91 off 102 balls, 13 fours) and Pratika Rawal (40 off 69 balls, 4 fours) laid a solid foundation with a 110-run opening partnership.
- Harleen Deol (44 off 50 balls, 2 fours, 1 six) and Harmanpreet Kaur (34 off 23 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) built on the momentum, with valuable contributions from the middle order.
- Late fireworks by Richa Ghosh (26 off 13 balls, 4 fours, 1 six) and Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) pushed India to a formidable total of 314/9.
- Deepti Sharma (14 off 12 balls)* and Priya Mishra (1 off 3 balls)* ensured India finished strong.
Zaida James led West Indies’ bowling with 5/45, while Hayley Matthews took two wickets.
West Indies Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing a mammoth 315, West Indies batters crumbled under the relentless Indian bowling attack.
- Renuka Thakur Singh stole the spotlight with a five-wicket haul, ripping through the West Indies lineup.
- Priya Mishra picked up two wickets, while Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma claimed one each.
- The visitors were bundled out for 103 in just 27 overs.
Afy Fletcher (24 off 22 balls, 3 fours)* and Shemaine Campbelle (21 off 39 balls, 2 fours) were the only notable contributors in an otherwise lackluster batting display.
Key Performances and Awards
- Player of the Match: Renuka Thakur Singh (5 wickets)
- Top Scorers: Smriti Mandhana (91), Afy Fletcher (24*)
This historic win not only highlights India Women’s growing dominance in ODI cricket but also sets the stage for an exciting series ahead.
