India Women have secured the three-match ODI series against West Indies Women with their recent victory, leading the series 2-0, marking a resurgence after suffering defeats against Australia prior to this. The final match will take place at Vadodara's international cricket stadium on December 27, 2024, at 9:30 AM IST.
The women's team, under the steady guidance of bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi, is already turning its focus to the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup, scheduled to be hosted on home soil next year. Salvi mentioned, "Since ours is a process-driven team, a few losses or wins don’t get to our heads. We just try to focus on the next challenge..." This series victory is seen as pivotal for building the team's morale.
Stars of the series so far have included Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, and Pratika Rawal. Deol recently shined with her maiden ODI century, scoring 115 runs off 103 balls, following it up with significant contributions from Mandhana, who added 53 runs, and Rawal, who scored 76. Together, they propelled India to stifling totals, including one of 358 runs against the West Indies.
On the bowling front, the Indian fast bowlers have shown consistency, with Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma making impressive debuts this series. Renuka, leading the pace attack, managed to secure four wickets for 29 runs, displaying her skills with the ball under challenging conditions. Deepti also impressed with figures of 6 wickets for 31 runs, instrumental during the West Indies' batting struggles.
Despite the formidable performances from India, the West Indies have had limited success and struggled to contribute significantly throughout both ODIs, with captain Hayley Matthews' century (106 runs) being their standout performance. Matthews and Deandra Dottin, who had earlier shown promise with her disciplined bowling, were left to hold the fort as the team overall grappled with batting failures.
When West Indies batted first, they managed to score only 162 runs. Key contributions came from players like Shakera Selman and Shemaine Campbelle, but those efforts couldn't prevent heavy losses. India kept the pressure up all innings long, most especially with Renuka's early strikes. Her skill was evident as she claimed the first wicket almost instantly, setting the tone early on for India's success.
For fans eagerly anticipating the third ODI, broadcasting rights are held by Viacom18, with the matches available for viewing on Sports18 channels and live streaming on JioCinema, ensuring fans won’t miss the final showdown. This versatility allows enthusiasts to enjoy the festivities comfortably, with full coverage expected as India eyes not just series victory but also momentum heading toward the World Cup.
One noteworthy aspect of the series has been the development of newer talents, with youngsters like Pratika Rawal making impressive debuts. Her determination and resilience have been commendable, allowing her to bold - making lasting impressions on established players and fans alike.
With the pressure of impending international expectations looming, the Indian team hopes to finish the series strongly, validating their effort and setting themselves up for consistent strong performances moving forward.
Stay tuned for the decisive third ODI where the Indian women look to continue their stellar form against the West Indies women team, wrapping up the series with anticipation as they aim to complete the clean sweep. Fans are excited as players navigate the competitive space, eager to showcase their skills at the World Cup next year.
