In an electrifying showcase of skill and teamwork, India Women annihilated West Indies Women by an astounding 211 runs in the opening One Day International (ODI) at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
This dominant performance marked India’s second-largest victory in ODI history, eclipsed only by their 249-run triumph over New Zealand in 2017.
India’s innings began with brilliance as opener Smriti Mandhana partnered with debutant Pratika Rawal to post a commanding 110-run stand. Mandhana’s authoritative knock of 91 off 102 deliveries, laced with 13 exquisite boundaries, anchored the innings. While Rawal, capitalizing on missed chances by the West Indies fielders, contributed a steady 40, her dismissal in the 24th over broke the formidable partnership.
Mandhana’s near-century innings, however, stole the show. Mixing calculated aggression with a solid technique, she reached her 28th ODI half-century in style, driving a boundary through midwicket. Despite falling just short of a deserved hundred, Mandhana’s brilliance set the tone for India’s commanding total of 314 for nine.
James shines despite India’s batting onslaught
Left-arm spinner Zaida James emerged as the lone beacon for the West Indies, delivering a stellar spell of 5-45—her maiden five-wicket haul. She dismissed Mandhana and caused significant damage in the death overs, accounting for the quick scalps of Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19), Saima Thakor (4), and Titas Sadhu (4).
Despite James’s heroics, India’s middle order piled on the runs. Contributions from Harleen Deol (44), skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (34), and the explosive Rodrigues bolstered India’s innings, helping them register their second-highest ODI total on home soil.
The West Indies’ chase unraveled disastrously under the fiery assault of Renuka Singh, who delivered a career-defining performance. Singh claimed her maiden five-wicket haul, dismantling the visitors for a meager 103 in just 26.2 overs.
Singh struck immediately, removing Qiana Joseph via a run-out on the very first ball and dismissing captain Hayley Matthews for a duck with a razor-sharp delivery. Matthews’s departure, reviewed and confirmed, left the visitors in tatters at 3 for two.
“Renuka was sensational—her rhythm, precision, and aggression completely dismantled the opposition,” India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur lauded.
West Indies’ fragile line-up falters under pressure
With wickets tumbling, the West Indies’ top order failed to stabilize. Star batter Deandra Dottin briefly resisted with two boundaries but was bowled spectacularly by Singh, who shattered her stumps. At 11 for four, the visitors were in dire straits, with no batter able to anchor the innings.
Late contributions from Afy Fletcher (24 not out), Shemaine Campbelle (21), and Karishma Ramharack (11) barely managed to drag the West Indies to triple digits. However, their efforts proved futile against India’s relentless bowling attack, backed by Priya Mishra (2-22).
The emphatic victory secured India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and reaffirmed their dominance in women’s cricket. “This win reflects the hard work of the team and the hunger to excel,” Mandhana remarked after the match.
With momentum firmly on their side, India will look to extend their dominance in the upcoming games, while the West Indies face an uphill battle to bounce back in the series.
