India crush West Indies by 211 runs in Vadodara to register their second-biggest win in women's ODIs

A dominant India Women thumped West Indies Women by 211 runs at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, December 22 in the first match of the three-game one-day series. With the comprehensive triumph, they registered their second-biggest win by terms of runs in women's ODIs. The Women in Blue's biggest win came by 249 runs against Ireland in 2017.

India Women batted first after West Indies won the toss and opted to field. The hosts, however, ended up posting an impressive total of 314-9 on the board in their 50 overs. Seasoned opener Smriti Mandhana top-scored with 91 off 102 balls, a knock which featured 13 fours. Debutant Pratika Rawal (40) and Harleen Deol (44) also chipped in, while Harmanpreet Kaur scored 34.

In the chase, West Indies were bundled out for 103 in 26.2 overs as Renuka Singh (5-29) registered her maiden five-wicket haul, while Priya Mishra also chipped in with two wickets. For the visitors, Afy Fletcher top-scored with an unbeaten 24 off 22, while Shemaine Campbelle (21) was the only other batter to cross 20.

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Indian captain Harmanpreet hails Mandhana, Renuka

Speaking at the post-match presentation, India Women captain Harmanpreet praised the stars of the first ODI - Mandhana and Renuka. She described Mandhana's batting as outstanding, while added that picking up a five-fer made it a special day for Renuka.

"The way Smriti is batting is outstanding to watch. It looks really easy, but trust me, it is not. Renuka has been bowling well for years, but today was special for her (taking five wickets). Fielding is something we've been focusing on, and it's great to see the improvement in this series and tonight - really happy with the approach," Harmanpreet was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Reflecting on her maiden ODI five-fer, Renuka stated that the wicket was helping the bowlers, so she was just looking to hit the right areas. The 28-year-old said:

"Feeling very good. First five-wicket haul in ODIs and I am happy because everyone backed me so much (to get that five-wicket haul). I have worked a lot on my fitness and hence could bowl eight overs on the trot, and that proves my fitness."

The second ODI of the three-match series will also be played at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on Tuesday, December 24.