INDW vs WI-W: Harleen Deol’s Maiden Century Powers India to Joint-Highest ODI Total

INDW vs WI-W

In a spectacular display of batting dominance, Harleen Deol smashed her maiden international century as the India Women’s cricket team (INDW) posted their joint-highest ODI total of 358 runs against the West Indies Women (WI-W) at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The innings was a masterclass in batting, with Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Jemimah Rodrigues also contributing sparkling half-centuries to India’s commanding total.

The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain India’s relentless onslaught, with their fielding lapses and lack of consistency further compounding their woes. India’s batting lineup, led by Deol’s brilliance, capitalized on every opportunity to dominate the game, leaving the visitors with a daunting chase.

INDW vs WI-W: Harleen Deol’s Maiden Century

Harleen Deol, who has been part of India’s recent batting experiments, delivered a career-defining performance with a sublime 115 runs. Her innings was a perfect blend of patience and aggression, as she built her knock steadily before accelerating in the death overs.

Deol’s innings began cautiously, and she reached her half-century in 62 balls. However, a dropped catch by Deandra Dottin at square leg when Deol was on 20 proved costly for the West Indies. Using this lifeline, Deol shifted gears seamlessly, reaching her century in 98 balls with a stunning pick-up shot to the deep square leg boundary off Shamilia Connell.

Her partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues was the highlight of the innings. The duo added a blistering 116 runs off just 71 balls for the fourth wicket, with both batters attempting aggressive shots almost every delivery. Deol’s confidence grew as she spent more time at the crease, and her ability to accelerate in the final overs ensured India finished with a massive total.

Jemimah Rodrigues and the Middle-Order Fireworks

Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial role in India’s middle-order resurgence, scoring a quickfire 50 off just 34 balls. Her innings was a masterclass in handling spin, as she lofted inside-out over cover, paddled deliveries past short fine leg, and rocked back to pull with precision.

Rodrigues’ ability to accelerate while maintaining control was evident throughout her knock. Her partnership with Deol was instrumental in India’s late-innings surge, as the team added 184 runs in the last 20 overs, compared to the 160 runs they scored in the previous match.

Although Rodrigues fell while attempting to hit a waist-high full toss, her contribution ensured that India maintained their momentum in the death overs.

Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal’s Explosive Start

India’s innings began with a bang, thanks to a century opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. The duo added 110 runs for the first wicket, setting the tone for India’s massive total.

Mandhana, who became the highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs this year, continued her fine form with a fluent 53 runs off 44 balls. She displayed her trademark aggression, particularly against spinners like Hayley Matthews, muscling boundaries with ease.

At the other end, Pratika Rawal, playing only her second ODI, impressed with her fearless approach. She scored her maiden half-century, reaching the milestone in 58 balls, and showcased her ability to play both on the front and back foot. Her cover drives and punches on the up were a treat to watch, and she even lofted Karishma Ramharack for a six as she grew in confidence.

A mix-up between Mandhana and Rawal led to the former’s dismissal, but not before the pair had laid a solid foundation for the middle order to capitalize on.

West Indies’ Struggles with the Ball and in the Field

The West Indies bowlers had a tough day, struggling to find consistency and failing to capitalize on key moments. Their fielding was also below par, with Dottin’s dropped catch of Deol proving to be a turning point.

While Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews were expected to lead the attack, they were unable to contain India’s aggressive batting. The visitors will need a monumental effort from their batters, particularly Matthews and Dottin, to chase down the massive target and avoid another defeat.

India’s Joint-Highest ODI Total

India’s total of 358 runs equaled their highest-ever ODI score, previously achieved against Ireland in 2017. This was also the second time in the series that India crossed the 300-run mark, having scored 314 runs in the first ODI.

The team’s ability to build partnerships, accelerate in the death overs, and capitalize on fielding lapses was key to their success. With contributions from both the top and middle order, India showcased the depth and versatility of their batting lineup.

Conclusion

The INDW vs WI-W match at Vadodara was a showcase of India’s batting prowess, with Harleen Deol, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Jemimah Rodrigues all delivering standout performances. Deol’s maiden century was the highlight of the innings, while the contributions from Mandhana and Rawal at the top and Rodrigues in the middle order ensured India posted a massive total.

For the West Indies, the road ahead looks challenging. Their bowlers and fielders will need to regroup and deliver a much-improved performance, while their batters face the daunting task of chasing down 358 runs.

India’s commanding performance in this match not only highlights their dominance in the series but also sets the tone for their future games. With their batting lineup firing on all cylinders, the team looks well-prepared to take on any challenge that comes their way.

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