Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma displayed exceptional bowling skills. As a result, India clinched a five-wicket win in the final ODI at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Friday. Consequently, the hosts completed a commanding 3-0 series sweep.
Thakur and Deepti Lead the Charge
First and foremost, Renuka Singh Thakur (4/29) and Deepti Sharma (6/31) dismantled the West Indies’ batting lineup. Renuka Singh Thakur set the tone immediately, dismissing Qiana Joseph for a golden duck with the match's first delivery. Furthermore, she removed key batters Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, ensuring early dominance for India.
“There was swing on offer, and I tried to use the conditions,” remarked Renuka Singh Thakur, who was named Player of the Series. “I worked hard with Jhulan (Goswami), and it really made a big difference.”
Meanwhile, Deepti took over in the middle overs. Using clever flight and turn, she claimed her career-best ODI figures of 6/31 in 10 overs. As a result, the West Indies struggled to build momentum.
Henry and Campbelle Show Resistance
Despite the setbacks, Chinelle Henry (61) and Shemaine Campbelle (46) fought back valiantly. Together, they forged a crucial 97-run partnership, which helped the visitors cross the 150-run mark. However, other batters failed to contribute significantly. Eventually, the innings folded for 162 in the 39th over.
India Recovers After a Shaky Start
Chasing 163, India faced early trouble. To begin with, Smriti Mandhana (4) and Harleen Deol (1) fell cheaply. Subsequently, Pratika Rawal (18) and Harmanpreet Kaur (32) were dismissed in quick succession.
Nevertheless, Jemimah Rodrigues (29) and Deepti Sharma (39*) steadied the ship with a vital 59-run partnership. Moreover, Richa Ghosh provided a final flourish, scoring an unbeaten 23 off just 11 balls.
Overall, India showcased their dominance with a clean sweep of the series. With both bat and ball performing consistently, the team looks well-prepared for future challenges.
Scorecard
West Indies Women : 162 (38.5)
Chinelle Henry 61(72), Shemaine Campbelle 46(62), Aaliyah Alleyne 21(35)
Deepti Sharma 6/31(10), Renuka Singh Thakur 4/29(9.5)
India Women : 167/5 (28.2)
Deepti Sharma 39*(48), Harmanpreet Kaur 32(22), Jemimah Rodrigues 29(45)
Deandra Dottin 1/27(5), Aaliyah Alleyne 1/28(4)
Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma
Player of the Series: Renuka Singh Thakur
