Harleen Deol's First ODI Century Leads India-W to Series Triumph Against WI-W
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Vadodara, Dec 24 (NationPress) Harleen Deol's first-ever ODI century propelled India to a convincing victory of 115 runs over West Indies in the second ODI, clinching the series ahead of the third and final match set for Friday at Kotambi Stadium.
The exciting contest showcased two remarkable centuries, one from Harleen Deol and the other from West Indies' captain Hayley Matthews, in a match filled with runs.
Choosing to bat first, India amassed a formidable 358/5, matching their second-highest ODI total. The innings was built on a solid foundation by Smriti Mandhana and debutante Pratika Rawal, who formed their second consecutive century partnership as openers. Rawal, confident following her debut, played aggressively to score her first ODI fifty before being dismissed for 76.
Mandhana continued her impressive performance, achieving her 29th ODI fifty and becoming the leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs this year.
Her innings ended in a disappointing run-out due to a mix-up with Rawal. However, rather than expressing frustration, the Indian vice-captain offered Rawal a comforting pat, highlighting the team’s unity.
Harleen Deol then stepped into the spotlight, crafting her maiden international hundred from the No. 3 slot. Having recently recovered from a significant knee injury, Deol rewarded the team's trust with a brilliant performance.
After being dropped on 20 by Deandra Dottin, she seized her second chance and reached her century off 98 balls. Deol’s innings was crucial to India’s middle-order surge, supported by Jemimah Rodrigues’ rapid-fire fifty off just 34 balls in a partnership that yielded 116 runs at an impressive strike rate exceeding 163.
India's late-innings acceleration in the final 20 overs produced 184 runs, a significant improvement from the 160 scored in the first ODI. Contributions from Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh ensured a robust finish, leaving West Indies with a daunting target of 359.
Facing a challenging task, the West Indies started slowly. Their cautious approach was evident in the opening overs, with three maidens bowled in the first seven. Renuka Singh, who had previously dismantled their top order in the first ODI, once again excelled, applying constant pressure on the batters.
Nonetheless, Hayley Matthews emerged as a standout performer with a stunning century, her seventh in ODIs. Matthews aggressively targeted India’s spinners, particularly legspinner Priya Mishra, showcasing her batting prowess. Her innings of 109 off 99 balls highlighted her full range of strokes, but she lacked support from her teammates.
Shemaine Campbelle provided some resistance with a determined 38, contributing to a vital partnership of 112 runs with Matthews for the fifth wicket. Despite Matthews’ valiant efforts, the West Indies fell short, ultimately bowing out for 286 in 48.4 overs.
Priya Mishra was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets for 49 runs. Both Rawal and Titas Sadhu, along with Deepti Sharma, took two wickets each. Renuka Singh’s disciplined bowling upfront earned her the crucial wicket of Deandra Dottin with a superb in-swinger that knocked the bails off, showcasing her exceptional skill.
Brief Score: India-W: 358/5 (Harleen Deol (115), Pratika Rawal (76); Afy Fletcher 38/1) defeated West Indies-W: 286/10 (Hayley Matthews (106); Priya Mishra 49/3) by 115 runs.
