Deepti Sharma's All-Around Performance Secures ODI Series Victory for India-W Against West Indies-W

Vadodara, Dec 27 (NationPress) All-rounder Deepti Sharma put forth an outstanding performance as India clinched a 3-0 ODI series victory against the West Indies at the Kotambi Stadium. Her remarkable six-wicket haul, complemented by a composed and unbeaten 39 runs, propelled India to a five-wicket win on a challenging pitch amidst overcast conditions.

The West Indies, who chose to bat first, were dismissed for a modest total of 162. The collapse commenced right from the first over when Renuka Singh set the tone with a double strike. Qiana Joseph was caught behind after a faint edge, and the in-form Hayley Matthews fell victim to an exceptional in-ducker just four balls later.

Deandra Dottin's attempted slog in the fifth over led to her dismissal, with Renuka claiming her third wicket, leaving the visitors in a dire situation at 9 for 3.

Renuka concluded her spell with four wickets, skillfully cleaning up the lower order. However, it was Deepti Sharma's impressive figures of 6/31 that dismantled the middle and lower order, ensuring the West Indies could not recover from their shaky start.

Amidst the chaos, Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle provided a brief glimmer of hope with a spirited 91-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Henry, in her first ODI of the series, overcame a sluggish start to score her third half-century, featuring elegant cuts and glides, including a towering six off debutant left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar.

Campbelle played positively against spin, hitting Priya Mishra for three boundaries in a single over. Using her footwork effectively to drive and pull with authority, she looked poised for a significant score before being dismissed for 46 by Deepti Sharma. A mistimed big shot found the safe hands of Pratika Rawal at long-on, igniting another collapse.

Deepti’s relentless accuracy and skill kept the West Indies under control. Zaida James was brilliantly caught at slip by Harmanpreet Kaur, and Alleyne’s brief resistance ended with a simple chip to short midwicket. Henry’s well-crafted 61 was halted by a straighter delivery from Deepti that bowled her out. The West Indies crumbled, losing their last five wickets for just 21 runs, folding in 38.2 overs.

While chasing 163, India's start was far from ideal. Smriti Mandhana (4) and Harleen Deol (1) fell early to the moving ball, and Pratika Rawal’s (18) dismissal to Hayley Matthews’ off-spin added to the pressure.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur stepped in to stabilize the innings, showcasing a dazzling display of cover drives. She raced to 23 off 13 balls with exquisite boundaries off Deandra Dottin, but her innings was cut short at 32 when she was bowled by a skidding delivery from Afy Fletcher.

At 129 for 5, India’s chase appeared uncertain. However, Deepti Sharma once again stepped up. Dropped at slip on 21 by Matthews, she seized her second chance, anchoring the innings with a composed 39 not out.

Joining Deepti at a crucial moment, Richa Ghosh provided the finishing touches with a brisk 23 off 11 balls. Her cameo included three sixes, two of which came in consecutive deliveries off Afy Fletcher. Ghosh’s fearless hitting ensured India crossed the line with 12 overs to spare.

India’s five-wicket victory not only secured the series sweep but also highlighted their all-round capability. Deepti Sharma was rightfully named Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

Brief scores:

West Indies 162 in 38.5 overs (Chinelle Henry 61, Shemaine Campbelle 46; Deepti Sharma 6/31, Renuka Singh 4/29) lost to India 167 for 5 in 28.2 overs (Deepti Sharma 39 not out, Harmanpreet Kaur 32; Deandra Dottin 1-27) by five wickets.