1st ODI: Mandhana and Renuka Lead India to a 211-Run Triumph Against West Indies

Vadodara, Dec 22 (NationPress) Smriti Mandhana’s remarkable innings of 91 runs, coupled with Renuka Singh’s inaugural five-wicket haul in ODIs, propelled the Indian women's cricket team to an emphatic 211-run victory over the West Indies in the first ODI held at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

After being invited to bat first, India started strong as vice-captain Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal formed a solid 110-run partnership, giving the home team an excellent start before Rawal was dismissed by Hayley Matthews, who executed a brilliant catch after Rawal's aerial poke.

Mandhana’s innings, featuring 13 boundaries, ended in the 32nd over when Zaida James took a catch for an LBW decision. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, under considerable pressure lately, displayed her form with a swift 34 runs off 23 balls, including three fours and a six. Following a 66-run partnership with Harleen Doel, both were dismissed in consecutive overs, giving the visiting team a brief respite.

Harleen was the first to go, bowled out while attempting a shot on the off-side, and the captain fell prey to a run-out in the next over.

Contributions from Richa Ghosh (26) and Jemimah Rodriguez (31) enabled India to surpass the 300-run mark, while Zaida James achieved a five-wicket haul that curtailed the lower order, leading to India's total of 314/9.

The West Indies' innings started disastrously as opener Qiana Joseph was run out on the very first ball. A mix-up between Joseph, who faced no deliveries, and captain Hayley Matthews resulted in a dismal start for the team.

Matthews was dismissed for a duck just two overs later, caught behind by Richa Ghosh off a delivery from Renuka Singh. Although the on-field decision was not out, a review confirmed the wicket, leaving both openers without a score.

Renuka claimed her second wicket shortly after, as Deandra Dottin was bowled attempting a slog.

Titas Sadhu secured her only wicket of the day just two balls later, with an inswinging delivery that breached Rashada Williams’s defenses, leaving the visitors struggling at 11/4.

Shemaine Campbelle, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Shabika Gajnabi all fell victim to Renuka’s relentless bowling, further solidifying India's grip on the match.

Afy Fletcher, the highest scorer for the West Indies, remained not out at 24 runs, while wickets from Priya Mishra (2) and Deepti Sharma (1) saw the West Indies bowled out for just 103 runs in 26.2 overs, sealing a resounding victory for India.

Brief scores: India W 314/9 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 91, Harleen Deol 44; Zaida James 5-45) defeated West Indies W 103/10 in 26.2 overs (Afy Fletcher 24 not out; Renuka Singh 5-29, Priya Mishra 2-22) by 211 runs.