India concluded the three-match Women's ODI series with dominating performances, capping the contest with a decisive victory over West Indies by bowling them out for just 162 runs. The third and final ODI, held at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara, showcased the Indian team's bowling prowess, particularly through the efforts of Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur.
The match on December 27, 2024, was significant for India as they had already secured the series with comfortable wins in the first two ODIs. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team demonstrated their strength throughout the series, with the bowling attack stepping up magnificently to wrap up the West Indies’ innings swiftly.
Deepti Sharma played a key role with the ball, finishing with astounding figures of 6 wickets for 31 runs, her performance marking her third five-wicket haul in ODIs and the best-ever bowling figures against West Indies. This achievement places her alongside notable performers, underscoring her aptitude for the format. According to reports, "Deepti's 6/31 was also the best-ever bowling figures by a bowler in WODIs against West Indies."
On the other side, Renuka Singh Thakur provided India with early breakthroughs, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs. Her effort was instrumental, particularly as she dismantled West Indies’ top order almost single-handedly. Renuka claimed the important scalps of the West Indies’ openers, disrupting their innings right from the start. Her ability to exploit the new ball early on capitalized on the conditions, leaving West Indies struggling at 9 runs for 3 wickets within just five overs.
The brightest spot for the West Indies was the resilience shown by Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle, who managed to form a partnership of 97 runs for the fourth wicket. Henry was the top scorer, contributing 61 off 72 balls, showcasing some good batting as she navigated the challenges posed by the Indian bowlers. Reports highlighted the significant role of Henry, stating, "Chinelle Henry was the standout performer for the West Indies, scoring 61 runs." Campbelle supported her well with 46 runs, but their efforts were far too little to lift their team to a competitive total.
Despite their partnership, rest of the West Indies’ batting lineup faltered against the disciplined Indian attack. Once Henry was dismissed by Deepti, the innings began to collapse, with only Aaliyah Alleyne reaching double digits apart from Henry and Campbelle. Needing to set up a formidable total to challenge India’s batting, the West Indies crumbled under pressure, ending their innings at 162 runs within 39 overs.
Reflecting on the match, it's clear India dominated, having perfected their bowling strategies throughout the series and adjusting effectively to the conditions on the day. The series result — India's triumph with 2-0 — reinforces their position as one of the leading teams in women's cricket. This performance snapped up by Deepti and Renuka offers promising prospects for the team's future as they showcase their growing strength.
Overall, India's complete dominance was evidenced not only by the statistical edge but also by their adaptable strategies against the challenges presented by the West Indian side. With Deepti’s remarkable performance reaffirming her place as one of India’s leading bowlers and Renuka’s sharp accuracy, the team can take great confidence moving forward. Their impressive performances serve as both individual milestones and collective achievements for Indian cricket, setting the stage for future contests with renewed optimism and strength.
