Renuka Singh Shines with Maiden ODI Five-Wicket Haul as India Crush West Indies by 211 Runs

Pacer Renuka Singh’s Stellar Spell and Smriti Mandhana’s Explosive Knock Seal Dominant Victory for India Women

Vadodara (Gujarat), December 23: Indian pacer Renuka Thakur Singh delivered a career-best performance, claiming her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs, as India Women crushed West Indies by 211 runs in the first ODI of the series at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Sunday.

The massive victory not only gave the Women in Blue an early series lead but also highlighted the team’s dominance in both batting and bowling departments.

---

Renuka Singh Reflects on Her Milestone Performance

After the match, Renuka Singh expressed her joy over her five-wicket achievement and credited her success to fitness and focus.

“Feeling very good. First five-wicket haul in ODIs and I am happy because everyone backed me so much to get that. I have worked a lot on my fitness and could bowl eight overs on the trot, and that proves my fitness. The wicket was helping us, and the colder weather added to the swing. I just wanted to hit the right areas, and I got assistance from the pitch,” Renuka told ESPNcricinfo.

---

Batting Brilliance Sets the Stage

Winning the toss, West Indies opted to field first, but the decision backfired as India’s openers capitalized on the opportunity.

• Smriti Mandhana (91 off 102 balls, 13 fours) and Pratika Rawal (40 off 69 balls, 4 fours) laid a 110-run opening partnership to set a solid foundation.
• Contributions from Richa Ghosh (26 off 13 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19 balls, 3 fours, 1 six), and Deepti Sharma (14 off 12 balls)* propelled India to a formidable total of 314/9.

---

Renuka’s Spell Dismantles West Indies

West Indies’ run chase faltered under the relentless Indian bowling attack.

• Renuka Singh’s fiery spell (5/34) ripped through the Caribbean batting order.
• Priya Mishra (2 wickets), along with Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma (1 wicket each), added to the visitors’ misery.
• Afy Fletcher (24 off 22 balls)* and Shemaine Campbelle (21 off 39 balls) were the only notable contributors for the West Indies as they crumbled for 103 in just 27 overs.

---

Player of the Match

• Renuka Thakur Singh deservedly received the ‘Player of the Match’ award for her exceptional five-wicket haul.

This commanding victory sets a strong tone for India Women in the ODI series, with both bat and ball showcasing their prowess on the field.