On Sunday, Vadodara witnessed a fresh beginning in Indian cricket. The new international stadium, a brand new ODI kit for India, and Harmanpreet Kaur’s excitement at the toss set the stage for a thrilling match. Kaur, returning after injury, felt like a debutant again. India delivered a powerful performance, defeating West Indies by 212 runs in the first ODI at Kotambi Stadium. This marked their second-largest victory in women’s ODI history.
Mandhana’s Stellar Form Continues
Smriti Mandhana, in exceptional form, played another key innings for India. She fell just short of a record-extending fifth ODI century, scoring 91 runs. Despite her near-century, Mandhana was the foundation of India’s total score after West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first.
Key Contributions from the Support Cast
India’s performance was built on solid support from debutant Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol. Rawal contributed 40 runs off 69 balls, forming a 110-run opening partnership with Mandhana. Harleen Deol added 44 runs off 50 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur (34 off 23), Richa Ghosh (26 off 12), and Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19) also played quick knocks, helping India reach 314/9 in 50 overs.
West Indies’ Struggles in Chase
Chasing 315, West Indies started disastrously. Qiana Joseph was run out for a duck on the first ball. India’s pace duo, Renuka Singh Thakur and Titas Sadhu, dominated early, reducing West Indies to 34/6 by the 13th over. West Indies eventually collapsed to 103 all out, with Renuka claiming her first five-wicket haul in ODIs. She was named Player of the Match, crediting a conversation with Jhulan Goswami on ODI bowling techniques.
Notable Moments in India’s Fielding
Harmanpreet Kaur also shone with her fielding. Despite an ongoing knee issue, she took a stunning one-handed catch at long-on to dismiss Aaliyah Alleyne. Kaur expressed her gratitude to the training staff for her recovery.
Mandhana’s Unstoppable Form
West Indies’ strategy against Mandhana focused on targeting the off-stump line, but she still managed to score boundaries. In the fourth over, a lucky shot off Matthews’ delivery highlighted Mandhana’s great form. Rawal, although struggling early in her debut, improved her fluency after the fielding restrictions were lifted, contributing to the partnership with Mandhana.
India’s Dominant Position
At the 30-over mark, India were comfortably placed at 154/1. Despite Mandhana’s dismissal for 91, India maintained the tempo. Deol and Harmanpreet added quick runs, putting India on course for a massive total. The lower order, though inconsistent, did not hinder India’s momentum.
Match Summary
India scored 314/9 in 50 overs, with Mandhana’s 91 leading the charge. West Indies were all out for 103, with Renuka’s five wickets sealing the win. India now lead the three-match series 1-0.
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