Deol's Maiden Hundred Leads India Women to Series Win Over West Indies
In a high-stakes match at Vadodara, India Women clinched the ODI series against West Indies Women with a commanding 115-run victory in the second game. Harleen Deol’s maiden ODI century was the highlight of the evening, overshadowing a valiant ton by Hayley Matthews for the visitors.
Batting first, India posted a formidable total of 358/5, their joint-highest in ODIs. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal set the tone with a century stand at the top of the order. Mandhana, continuing her stellar form, became the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs this year, notching a brisk 53, while Rawal impressed with a confident 76 before falling to a soft dismissal. Despite a rookie status, Rawal contributed with both bat and ball, showcasing her potential as an all-rounder.
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However, the spotlight belonged to Harleen Deol. Recovering from a knee injury just five months ago, Deol delivered a resilient knock of 115 off 103 balls. She started cautiously, capitalizing on a dropped chance at 20, and built momentum with support from Jemimah Rodrigues. Together, they put on a blistering 116-run stand in just 71 balls, steering India towards a massive finish. Rodrigues’ quick-fire 52 off 34 balls further showcased India’s depth in batting. India hammered 184 runs in the final 20 overs, a testament to their aggressive approach.
In response, West Indies faced an uphill battle chasing 359. Their innings revolved around Hayley Matthews, who stood tall with a magnificent 106 off 109 balls. Matthews displayed her class against both spin and pace, launching a calculated attack against India’s bowlers. However, she lacked the support her Indian counterparts enjoyed. Only Shemaine Campbelle’s 38 provided brief resistance, as the rest of the batting order crumbled under the pressure. Renuka Singh, Priya Mishra, and Deepti Sharma each chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, ensuring India maintained control throughout the innings.
Ultimately, Matthews’ brilliance was not enough to bridge the gap. West Indies folded for 243 in 46.2 overs, handing India a comprehensive win. The result secured the series for India with one match to spare and further cemented their status as a dominant force heading into the World Cup year.
The performance of young talents like Deol and Rawal, alongside seasoned campaigners Mandhana and Rodrigues, signals a promising future for Indian women’s cricket. On the other hand, the West Indies Women showed glimpses of fight but will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies to remain competitive on the international stage.
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