“India vs West Indies: India Women Seal 3-0 Series Win with 5-Wicket Victory”
The Indian women’s cricket team showcased a dominant performance in the 3rd ODI against the West Indies, clinching a 5-wicket victory to complete a clean 3-0 series sweep. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews opted to bat first after winning the toss, but her decision was quickly undone by an exceptional bowling display from India.
Renuka Thakur Singh and Deepti Sharma Shine with the Ball
Pacer Renuka Thakur Singh set the tone early, striking twice in her first over to remove both West Indies openers. Her disciplined line and length rattled the visitors, but it was all-rounder Deepti Sharma who stole the spotlight. Deepti’s remarkable six-wicket haul (6/31), her career best, dismantled the West Indies batting lineup. Together, Thakur (4/29) and Deepti claimed all 10 wickets, restricting the visitors to a modest total of 162.
West Indies’ innings was partially revived by a 97-run stand between Chinelle Henry (61) and Shemaine Campbelle (46). Their resilience helped the team cross 160 after a disastrous start. However, apart from Henry and Campbelle, only Aaliyah Alleyne (21) managed to reach double digits, underlining the team’s batting struggles.
India’s Chase and Middle-Order Resilience
Chasing 163, India faced early setbacks as opener Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for just 4 runs off 19 balls. Harleen Deol, the centurion from the previous match, also fell cheaply, leaving India at 22/2. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pratika Rawal then stitched a stabilizing partnership, with Harmanpreet’s quick boundaries providing momentum.
However, Hayley Matthews struck back, dismissing Rawal, while Afy Fletcher’s sharp delivery bowled Harmanpreet. At this critical juncture, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma stepped up. Their composed 50-run stand steadied India’s innings and extinguished West Indies’ hopes of a comeback. Though Jemimah departed for 29, her efforts, combined with Richa Ghosh’s explosive unbeaten 23 off 11 balls, sealed the win for India with five wickets in hand.
Tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh
The Indian team paid tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday, by wearing black armbands during the match. This heartfelt gesture added a solemn note to their spirited victory.
Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Tanuja Kanwar, Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, Renuka Thakur Singh
West Indies: Hayley Matthews (C), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (WK), Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Zaida James, Mandy Mangru, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack
With this emphatic win, Team India reaffirmed their dominance in the series. Both the bowling and batting departments delivered stellar performances, leaving fans optimistic about the team’s future prospects.
