The India Women’s cricket team made headlines on December 20, 2024, by clinching the first ODI against the West Indies with a remarkable 211-run victory, taking the lead to 1-0 in the three-match series. This match, held at the newly inaugurated stadium in Vadodara, reflected India’s dominance across all aspects of the game.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Indian team posted a formidable total of 315 runs. The batting innings were bolstered by standout performances, particularly from Smriti Mandhana, who scored a blistering 91 off 102 balls, and debutant Pratika Rawal, who added 40 runs to the total, contributing to a solid opening partnership of 110 runs.
While the Indian innings started steadily, it was the middle order's explosive scoring toward the end, including Harleen Deol's 44 runs and quick contributions from Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues, which propelled the team beyond 300 runs. Ghosh impressed with her aggressive approach, scoring 26 runs off just 13 balls, pushing the team's momentum significantly. Despite losing wickets toward the end, India managed to reach their target comfortably, setting the West Indies women's team with no easy chase.
The West Indies' batting performance was far from their aspirations, as they crumbled under pressure from India's aggressive bowling attack. Renuka Singh Thakur led the bowling assault with her career-best performance, claiming her maiden ODI five-wicket haul with impressive figures of 5 for 29. Her successful strategy, guided by advice from veteran player Jhulan Goswami, focused on consistent spot bowling, showcasing the results of hard work and preparation.
The chase began with early turmoil for the West Indies as they lost their first wicket without scoring any runs. Qiana Joseph's run-out on the very first delivery set the tone for what was to follow. The combination of India's discipline and skill saw the West Indies slump to 25 for 4 by the end of the first Powerplay, facing relentless pressure.
Skipper Hayley Matthews, reflecting on her team's performance, admitted, "This is not the standard of cricket we aim to play. We fell short in all three phases of the game... We need to work harder to bounce back and improve. We were targeting 270-280 runs but failed to finish strongly with the ball. Better fielding could have also saved some runs."
India took control, with Renuka Singh's impeccable bowling dismantling the top order, alongside valuable contributions from Titas Sadhu and Priya Mishra, both taking key wickets as well. The West Indies struggled with their batting technique and lack of partnerships, leading to their eventual collapse at only 103 runs, the team's total indicative of the Indian bowlers' performance.
Renuka Singh, who was later awarded the Player of the Match, expressed her gratitude toward the fans and reflected on her performance, stating, "I feel happy with my maiden five-wicket haul and thank the team for their support. Coach and senior players have been instrumental to my growth. Today, the conditions significantly aided fast bowlers and helped me focus on the right areas, and my hard work has finally paid off."
India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team's efforts, particularly highlighting the performance of both Mandhana and Singh. She remarked, "I am really happy with how things are going. Smriti has been exceptional, and I couldn't be happier for Renuka on her first five-wicket haul. The team has trained hard and taken full advantage of playing at home."
With this monumental victory, the India Women’s cricket team not only demonstrated their strength but also instilled confidence as they gear up for the second ODI, scheduled for December 24, 2024. The West Indies will need to regroup and reflect on their strategies to level the series.
This match not only emphasized India's comeback aim after various ups and downs but also highlighted the need for the West Indies to reassess and adapt quickly as they build toward the ODI World Cup next year. The performance of both teams sets the stage for what promises to be another exciting clash.
