Mandhana, Renuka shine as India beat Windies

Vadodra, Dec 22 (FN Agency) India Women triumphed by a dominant 211-run margin in the first ODI against West Indies Women, posting a challenging total of 314/9 before bowling out the visitors for just 103 at Kotambi Stadium on Sunday. The star performers of the day were Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh Thakur. Mandhana’s brilliant 91 off 102 balls formed the backbone of India’s total, while Renuka’s outstanding 5-wicket haul dismantled the West Indies batting lineup. West Indies’ chase was off to a disastrous start. Renuka made an early impact, dismissing Hayley Matthews for a duck, caught behind by Richa Ghosh. Qiana Joseph was run out for zero following a mix-up, and the visitors were reeling at 3/2.

Renuka continued her assault, dismissing Deandra Dottin (8) in the fourth over with a ball that crashed through the gate. Despite a brave 24 from Afy Fletcher, who top-scored for West Indies, and Krishma Ramharack’s 11, the West Indies batting order was unable to recover. Renuka (5/29) and Deepti Sharma (1/19) combined to wreak havoc, and the West Indies were bowled out for 103. The final wicket fell, with Shamilia Connell caught by Jemimah Rodrigues off Priya Mishra for 8. Earlier, India Women posted an imposing total, led by the stylish Mandhana. Her 91 runs, which included 13 boundaries, formed the foundation of India’s innings after an early breakthrough by the West Indies.

Mandhana shared a crucial 110-run partnership with debutant Pratika Rawal, who played a composed knock of 40 off 69 balls. However, Mandhana’s dismissal, trapped LBW by Zaida James (5/45), shifted the momentum. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struck a quick-fire 34 off 23 balls, but a mix-up with Richa Ghosh saw her run out. Harleen Deol contributed 44 off 50 balls, and Jemimah Rodrigues’ rapid 31 off 19 balls, including three boundaries and a six, added further impetus to the innings. Richa’s late fireworks, a quick 26 off 13 balls, pushed India past 300, and despite Zaida’s five-wicket haul, India posted a formidable 314/9. India leads the series 1-0 with a commanding allround performance that showcased their dominance in both batting and bowling.