India Clinch Series with a Dominant Show

India sealed the ODI series against West Indies with a commanding 115-run victory, driven by Harleen Deol’s maiden century and a solid all-round performance. India posted a mammoth 358 for 5, their joint-highest ODI total, while West Indies, despite Hayley Matthews’ spirited century, could only muster 238 in response.

A Tale of Two Centuries

Harleen Deol’s inspiring knock from No. 3 was the highlight of the day. Recovering from a knee injury just months ago, she repaid the team’s trust with a superb 115 off 98 balls. Dropped on 20, Deol capitalised on the reprieve, reaching her fifty cautiously before unleashing an array of strokes to power past the three-figure mark. In Jemimah Rodrigues, Deol found an ideal partner, as the duo added 116 runs in just 71 balls. Rodrigues’ quickfire 52 off 34 was a masterclass in innovation against spin, showcasing her ability to accelerate with finesse.

Hayley Matthews, on the other hand, stood tall in a lone battle for West Indies. Her seventh ODI century, a dazzling 106 off 99 balls, highlighted her ability to dominate both spin and pace. Yet, with little support from her teammates, Matthews’ knock served only to reduce the margin of defeat. Shemaine Campbelle’s 38 in a fifth-wicket stand of 112 with Matthews offered some resistance, but it was far from enough.

India’s Explosive Start

Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal laid the foundation with their second consecutive century opening stand. Rawal, looking composed and confident, smashed her maiden half-century, scoring a fluent 76. Mandhana, continuing her stellar form, struck a brisk 53, becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs this year. The pair’s 100-run partnership off just 15 overs set the tone for India’s innings. Although both fell before reaching three figures, their contributions set the platform for Deol and Rodrigues to launch in the later overs.

A Team Effort with the Ball

India’s bowling attack displayed variety and precision, making it tough for the West Indies batters to settle. Priya Mishra’s leg-spin claimed 3 for 49, while Deepti Sharma, Sadhu, and Rawal chipped in with two wickets each. Renuka Singh, though wicketless in this game, continued to trouble the opposition with her disciplined in-swing deliveries.

Moments to Remember

Rawal’s all-round performance stood out, as she added two wickets, a brilliant catch, and some tight overs to her memorable innings. Her involvement in running out Mandhana was overshadowed by the India vice-captain’s sportsmanship, who offered a pat of encouragement instead of frustration.

The Bigger Picture

India’s dominance was evident as they scored 184 in the last 20 overs, an improvement from their already impressive 160 two nights ago. With contributions from every department, the team appears well-prepared for the challenges of a World Cup year.

As India celebrates an unassailable lead in the series, the performances of Deol, Rawal, and Rodrigues serve as a testament to the team’s growing depth and resilience. Meanwhile, West Indies will need to regroup and address their batting woes before the final ODI.