By Travis Seymour
December 23, 2024
India’s women’s cricket team delivered a dominant performance in the first One Day International (ODI) against the West Indies, securing a comprehensive 211-run victory.
The Caribbean side, having won the toss and opted to field first, quickly found themselves on the back foot as India set a formidable total.
India’s innings were anchored by opener Smriti Mandhana, who continued her excellent form with a sublime 91 runs off 102 balls.
Her knock, which included 13 boundaries, was crucial in guiding the team to a total of 314 for 9 in their 50 overs.
Pratika Rawal contributed 40 runs, while Harleen Deol (44), Harmanpreet Kaur (34), and Jemimah Rodrigues (31) all played important supporting roles.
Zaida James was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming 5 wickets for 45 runs, but her efforts weren’t enough to stem the flow of runs.
Chasing a daunting target, the West Indies women were quickly in trouble, losing openers Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph for ducks.
Rashada Williams (3) and Deandra Dottin (8) followed soon after, leaving the team at 4 for 11.
Shemaine Campbelle (21) and Aaliyah Alleyne (13) attempted to steady the innings, but the required run rate and pressure from the Indian bowlers proved insurmountable.
Afy Fletcher added 24 runs, but the West Indies were ultimately bowled out for 103 in just 26.2 overs.
Renuka Singh was the star with the ball for India, claiming 5 wickets for 29 runs, while Priya Mishra supported with two wickets.
West Indies women’s head coach Shane Deitz expressed disappointment in the result, acknowledging that the decision to bowl first and restrict India did not go as planned.
He further mentioned that the batting line-up failed to meet expectations, resulting in a crushing defeat.
The teams will meet again for the second ODI on Tuesday, with the West Indies looking to bounce back from their heavy loss.