The India Women’s cricket team delivered a stellar performance in the second ODI against the West Indies, equaling their highest-ever ODI score of 358 runs. The match, held at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, saw India dominate with the bat, thanks to a maiden century by Harleen Deol and fifties from Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Pratika Rawal. This remarkable feat matched their previous record of 358 runs, achieved against Ireland in 2017.
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India’s batting lineup was in top form, with contributions from both the openers and the middle order. The team’s commanding performance not only secured a massive total but also highlighted the depth and talent in Indian women’s cricket.
A Record-Breaking Innings
Winning the toss, India opted to bat first, and the decision paid off handsomely. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal laid a solid foundation with a 110-run partnership. Mandhana, known for her elegant stroke play, scored a quick 53 runs before being run out.
Pratika Rawal, playing a crucial role at the top, scored her maiden ODI fifty and went on to make 76 runs. Her innings was a mix of composure and aggression, and she partnered with Harleen Deol for a 62-run stand before being dismissed.
Harleen Deol Maiden Century
The star of the match was undoubtedly Harleen Deol, who scored her first ODI century, a brilliant 115 runs. Coming in at a crucial juncture, Harleen anchored the innings while also accelerating when needed. Her knock was a perfect blend of patience and power, showcasing her ability to adapt to the game’s demands.
After Pratika’s dismissal, Harleen found support from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed 22 runs off 18 balls. However, it was her partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues that truly propelled India’s innings. The duo added 116 runs for the fourth wicket, with Jemimah scoring a quickfire 52 runs.
Harleen’s century was a milestone moment in her career, and her innings was laced with boundaries and smart running between the wickets. She was eventually dismissed for 115, but not before setting the stage for India’s record-equalling total.
Lower-Order Contributions
In the final overs, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma chipped in with valuable runs to take India to 358/5. While Richa scored 13 runs, Deepti added 4 runs. The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, conceding 23 extras in the process.
For the West Indies, bowlers Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jayda James, and Kiana Joseph each picked up a wicket, but they were unable to make significant inroads into India’s batting lineup.
India’s Dominance in the Series
This victory further cemented India’s dominance in the series. In the first ODI, India had already registered a massive 211-run win, scoring 314 runs and bowling out the West Indies for just 103 runs. The team’s performance in the second ODI was even more commanding, as they crossed the 350-run mark for only the second time in their ODI history.
Before the ODI series, India had also won the T20 series against the West Indies by a margin of 2-1, showcasing their all-round superiority across formats.
Harleen Deol: The Rising Star
Harleen Deol’s maiden century is a testament to her growing stature in Indian cricket. Known for her versatility and composure, Harleen has been a consistent performer in recent years. Her ability to step up in crucial moments and deliver under pressure makes her a valuable asset to the team.
Speaking about her innings, Harleen credited her teammates and the coaching staff for their support. “It’s a special moment for me to score my first ODI century. I’m grateful for the opportunities and the faith the team has shown in me. This is just the beginning, and I hope to contribute more to the team’s success,” she said after the match.
Conclusion
The Indian Women’s cricket team’s performance in the second ODI against the West Indies was nothing short of spectacular. With Harleen Deol’s maiden century, fifties from Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Pratika Rawal, and a record-equalling total of 358 runs, the team showcased their batting depth and dominance.
Harleen’s century was the highlight of the match, marking a significant milestone in her career and further establishing her as a key player for India. The team’s consistent performances in the series reflect their growing strength and potential to compete at the highest level.
As India continues to shine in the series, the focus remains on maintaining this momentum and building on their success. With players like Harleen Deol stepping up and delivering match-winning performances, the future of Indian women’s cricket looks brighter than ever.
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FAQs
1. What was Harleen Deol’s contribution in the match?
Harleen Deol was the standout performer for India, scoring her maiden ODI century with a brilliant knock of 115 runs. She anchored the innings and built crucial partnerships, including a 116-run stand with Jemimah Rodrigues, helping India post a record-equalling total of 358 runs.
2. How did India Women’s team perform in the series so far?
India Women’s team has been dominant in the series against the West Indies. They won the first ODI by a massive 211 runs, scoring 314 runs and bowling out the West Indies for just 103 runs. In the second ODI, they equaled their highest-ever ODI score of 358 runs, with standout performances from Harleen Deol, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Pratika Rawal.
