Renuka Singh Thakur’s wicket and Smriti Mandhana’s 91 take India home in ODI series opener against West Indies

Women of India achieved a resounding victory over Women of the West Indies in the first ODI of their three-match series in Vadodara on Sunday, December 22. The game showed the prowess of Smriti Mandhana with the bat and Renuka Singh Thakur with the ball, leading India to a comprehensive victory by 211 runs.

Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass in Score Setting

Smriti Mandhana he was India’s standout player, scoring a superb 91 off 102 balls. His innings was characterized by elegance and aggression as he hit 13 boundaries, showing his ability to find gaps and rotate the strike effectively.

Mandhana’s innings played a pivotal role in setting up a formidable target for the West Indies. She anchored the innings after the early dismissal of Pratika Rawal (40), its association with Harleen Deol (44) was particularly crucial as they built a solid foundation for India’s innings. The duo added 70 runs for the second wicket, steadying the innings after an early loss. Mandhana reached her half-century in style, hitting boundaries with ease and maintaining a quick scoring rate of 89.21.

Mandhana’s dismissal came at a critical time when she was caught lbw Zaida Jamesbut by then, he had already laid a solid platform for India to post an imposing total of 314 runs. The Indian innings also saw contributions from other players, including quick knocks Harmanpreet Kaur (34 of 23) i Richa Ghosh (26 off 13), which propelled India past the 300-run mark.

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Renuka Singh Thakur’s bowling brilliance

As for the bowling, Renuka was sensational. He dismantled the West Indies batting line-up with his exceptional bowling performance, claiming five wickets for just 29 runs in his allotted ten overs. Renuka’s spell was instrumental in putting West Indies under pressure early on.

He struck early on dismissal Hayley Matthews i Qiana Joseph with no runs on the board, leaving the West Indies at 0-2 in just two overs. Renuka continued her attack taking crucial portions Deandra Dottin (8), Shemaine Campbell (21) i Aaliyah Alleyne (13), effectively ensuring that no West Indies batsman could settle. His ability to swing the ball and hold tight lines made it extremely difficult for the West Indies batsmen to score freely. Renuka was adjudged Player of the Match for her pee.

India thrash West Indies in series opener

The match started with India opting to bat first after winning the toss. They posted an impressive total of 314/9 in their 50 overs, with significant contributions from Mandhana and other middle-order batsmen. In reply, West Indies struggled throughout their innings against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

The West Indies were bowled out for just 103 runs in 26.2 oversmarking a stark contrast to India’s batting display. The fall in wickets was swift as they lost their first four wickets for just 11 runs. Despite a brief resistance from Campbelle and Afy Fletcher by the end of their innings, it was clear they were well outmatched.

India’s emphatic 211-run win not only sets a positive tone for the series but also highlights their dominance in women’s cricket at home.

READ also: Richa Ghosh sets record with his fifty against West Indies in 3rd WT20I

This article was first published in WomenCricket.coma Cricket time company