India’s dominance was on full display in the first One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies Women on Sunday, as they cruised to a commanding 211-run victory.
India posted a formidable total of 314 for 9, with key contributions from Smriti Mandhana (91) and Harmanpreet Kaur (34), while Renuka Singh’s exceptional 5-29 dismantled the West Indies’ batting line-up, sending them crashing to just 103 all out.
India’s innings had a slow start, particularly with debutant Pratika Rawal (40) struggling early in her partnership with Mandhana.
The pair added 110 runs for the opening wicket, but Rawal had plenty of fortune on her side.
She survived a clear caught-behind opportunity off Hayley Matthews when the West Indies failed to review, and then later escaped a run-out chance that could have seen her dismissed in the powerplay.
Despite her early struggles, Rawal found some rhythm, supported by Mandhana’s consistency at the other end.
Mandhana, after a cautious start, powered through to her 28th half-century, guiding India to a more comfortable position. However, her dismissal on 91—lbw to left-arm spinner Zaida James—halted her progress just shy of a well-deserved century.
James, in fact, was a standout performer for the West Indies, finishing with career-best figures of 5 for 45.
Her efforts with the ball in the latter stages of India’s innings helped keep the score manageable, despite the middle-order hitting from Harleen Deol (40), Harmanpreet Kaur (34), Richa Ghosh (26), and Jemimah Rodrigues (31).
The final flourish from India’s lower order—guided by Ghosh and Rodrigues—pushed their total past 300, a daunting challenge for the West Indies to chase.
Despite a series of wickets towards the end, India’s late acceleration brought them 160 runs in the final 20 overs, setting an imposing target.
In reply, the West Indies Women never looked like mounting a serious challenge, with only four batters reaching double figures. Renuka Singh was the star of the show, claiming five wickets, including a crucial spell that saw her take 5 for 29.
Afy Fletcher (24), Shemaine Campbell (21), Aaliyah Alleyne (11), and Karishma Rahmarack (11) were the only batters who showed any resistance against the Indian attack.
The West Indies’ chase got off to a poor start as they lost early wickets, with only a handful of partnerships lasting long enough to keep them in the game.
Fletcher and Campbell fought briefly, but India’s bowlers, spearheaded by Singh, made regular breakthroughs.
Singh’s superb performance marked the beginning of the end for the West Indies as they were dismissed for just 103 in only 36.2 overs, falling well short of the mammoth target.
While Zaida James’ bowling had earned her a maiden five-wicket haul, it wasn’t enough to lift the West Indies.
India’s ability to find wickets at key moments, coupled with a lack of depth in the West Indies’ batting order, ensured a comfortable win for the visitors.
India’s comprehensive win, which came off the back of a strong middle-order showing and a devastating spell from Renuka Singh, has given them the early advantage in the series.
The West Indies Women will need to regroup and find a way to counter the Indian attack if they are to mount a challenge in the remaining ODIs. (SportsMax)
