Vadodara, December 24 : The Indian women’s cricket team continued their stellar form by clinching a commanding 115-run victory against the West Indies in the second match of the three-match ODI series. Following their T20 series triumph, India secured an unassailable lead in the ODIs, reaffirming their dominance.
The match at Vadodara’s cricket ground witnessed a thrilling battle, culminating in a total of 601 runs scored by both teams combined.
India’s Batting Masterclass: A Record-Setting Performance
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, India posted a colossal 358/5 in 50 overs — their second-highest score in ODI cricket history.
Mandhana and Rawal Build a Strong Foundation
Openers Smriti Mandhana (53 runs) and Pratika Rawal (76 runs) set the tone with a solid 110-run partnership. Both batters displayed composure and aggression, providing a perfect start for the team.
Harleen Deol’s Maiden Century Sparks Fireworks
After the departure of the openers, Harleen Deol took center stage with a scintillating 115 off 103 balls. Deol’s innings, studded with boundaries and precise running between the wickets, kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.
Contributions from Rodrigues and Kaur
Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with a crucial half-century (52 runs), while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur added a valuable 22 runs to push the total beyond 350.
West Indies’ Struggle Against a Mammoth Target
Chasing a daunting target of 359 runs, the West Indies batting lineup crumbled under pressure. Despite a valiant century from captain Hayley Matthews, the team managed only 243 runs in 48.3 overs.
Hayley Matthews Shines Bright Amidst Collapse
Matthews anchored the innings with a spectacular knock, scoring 113 runs. Her effort, however, lacked support from other batters, as no one else crossed the 40-run mark.
Other Contributions
Shamane Campbell (38 runs), Zaida James (25 runs), and Afy Fletcher (22 runs) added some resistance but couldn’t match the required run rate.
India’s Bowlers Seal the Deal
India’s bowlers were clinical in their approach, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup with precision.
Priya Mishra’s Spellbinds with Three Wickets
Spinner Priya Mishra was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three crucial wickets.
Support from Raval, Sharma, and Sadhu
Pratika Rawal and Deepti Sharma grabbed two wickets each, while pacer Titas Sadhu also contributed with two scalps. Renuka Singh rounded off the effort with a wicket.
Key Highlights of the Match
- Harleen Deol scored her maiden ODI century and was named Player of the Match.
- India’s total of 358/5 was their second-highest score in ODI cricket.
- The Indian bowlers showcased a balanced attack with multiple players contributing.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
