The Indian women’s team recorded a stunning victory over the West Indies women’s team by 211 runs in the 1st ODI at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on December 22, Sunday.
This triumph marks India’s largest ODI win by a run margin at home, and it stands as the second-biggest win for the Indian women’s team overall.
India’s commanding performance showcased excellence in all departments, led by Renuka Singh Thakur’s remarkable five-wicket haul. The West Indies team faced their biggest-ever loss in the 50-over format, highlighted by their struggling batting and bowling scorecard.
Batting first, India put up a formidable total of 314/9 in their 50 overs. Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a classy 91, continuing her exceptional form. Partnering with debutant Pratika Rawat, who scored 40 runs off 69 balls, Mandhana set a solid foundation. Harleen Deol contributed 44 runs, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh accelerated the innings in the closing overs with quickfire scores of 34 and 26, respectively.
The West Indies’ fielding woes added to their challenges, as they dropped crucial catches and conceded 25 extras, including 17 wides. Zaida James was the best bowler for the visitors, claiming four wickets for 55 runs in her eight overs. However, they struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting.
In reply, the West Indies crumbled under the pressure of a steep chase. Their innings got off to a disastrous start, with openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph both dismissed for ducks. Renuka Singh shone with the ball, achieving a career-best 5 wickets for 29 runs. She dismissed key batters Deandra Dottin (8) and Shemaine Campbelle (21), preventing the West Indies from gaining any momentum.
The visitors’ top four batters all fell for single-digit scores, and the middle order provided little resistance. Afiya Fletcher’s unbeaten 24 runs were the only notable contribution as the West Indies were bowled out for a mere 103 runs in just 26.2 overs. India’s bowling unit maintained relentless pressure, with Titas Sadhu and Priya Mishra also claiming crucial wickets.
This emphatic victory showcased India’s all-around dominance. Mandhana’s brilliance with the bat and Renuka’s career milestone with the ball highlighted their collective efforts. For her maiden 5 wicket haul, Renuka Singh Thakur bagged the Player of the Match Award.
The West Indies will need to regroup quickly to address their batting failures and subpar fielding as they prepare to bounce back in the series. This win gave India a strong start to the ODI series, and they will look to build on this momentum in the upcoming matches.
