Renuka and Mandhana Lead India to Record Victory Over West Indies

India dominated the first ODI against the West Indies, winning by 211 runs, despite not reaching their full batting potential. After a thrilling T20I series, the match was a one-sided affair. India posted a strong total of 314/9, with Smriti Mandhana top-scoring with 91. Their bowlers then took control, with Renuka Singh claiming a maiden ODI five-wicket haul, including the key wickets of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin in the first five overs of the West Indies chase, effectively sealing the match early.

Though the victory was commanding, India’s batting performance was a mixed bag. The team struggled to find their rhythm for much of the innings, relying on a cautious approach that has sometimes hindered them in ODIs. Despite Mandhana’s sparkling form, India’s innings lacked fluidity in the early stages, as they were unable to build consistent partnerships.

The slower start was partly due to debutant Pratika Rawal, who was nervously attempting to secure her place as Mandhana’s opening partner. With previous experiments, including Richa Ghosh opening, failing earlier in Australia, Rawal’s performance was being closely scrutinized, contributing to the early cautious approach.

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Rawal’s Fortunate 40 and Mandhana’s Half-Century Set Up Strong Start for India

Pratika Rawal made a steady 40 in a 110-run opening stand but was fortunate to survive a few close calls. On 1, she gloved a delivery to the wicketkeeper, but West Indies chose not to review. At 3, she was dropped by Afy Fletcher at mid-off while playing her first aggressive shot. Additionally, she survived a tight run-out opportunity. Despite these moments of luck, Rawal gradually built her innings before being dismissed by a spectacular one-handed return catch from Matthews, who threw herself full-stretch to pluck the ball.

Mandhana brought up her half-century off 62 balls, her 28th in ODIs, and then shifted gears, sweeping and driving imperiously. However, Harleen Deol’s struggles put pressure on Mandhana, leading her to attempt some cheeky shots, one of which resulted in her being lbw. Harleen’s cautious approach at No. 3, despite a solid start, raised questions about India’s decision not to promote Jemimah Rodrigues or Harmanpreet Kaur to that position.

Harmanpreet Kaur quickly changed the tempo of the innings after her arrival, racing to 32 off 20 balls with her trademark sweeps and powerful lofted hits. Unfortunately, a mix-up with Richa Ghosh while attempting a run to short third led to her dismissal, cutting her promising innings short.

Ghosh and Rodrigues Shine as India Finish Strong, While West Indies Struggle

Ghosh and Rodrigues played crucial cameos, helping India finish strong and cover up their struggles in the middle overs. The last 20 overs saw a rapid 160 runs, with Ghosh showcasing her range of power, timing, and finesse in a 13-ball 26. Rodrigues, now seen as a finisher, contributed 31 off 19 balls. However, India could have posted an even higher total if not for a series of rash shots at the end, which allowed Zaida James, the young left-arm spinner, to claim her maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs. This was one of the few positives for West Indies on an otherwise forgettable night, as they had no answers to Renuka’s deceptive in-duckers.

Renuka’s spell had a mesmeric effect on the other bowlers as well. Titas Sadhu claimed her first ODI wicket, and young legspinner Priya Mishra delivered 4.2 crafty overs, taking two wickets. The West Indies’ nightmare was summed up by a stunning piece of fielding from Harmanpreet, who leapt high to intercept a lofted shot from Shemaine Campbelle with a one-handed grab at mid-on. The West Indies’ batting was a horror show, and they will hope to improve as they build towards the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 10 months.