India Crush West Indies in Record 211-Run Victory

India began their three-match ODI series against the West Indies with an emphatic 211-run victory in Mumbai. The hosts outclassed their opponents in all departments, thanks to stellar performances by Smriti Mandhana, who top-scored with a magnificent 91, and Renuka Singh, who dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with her maiden ODI five-wicket haul (5-29).

India posted a formidable total of 314/9, though their batting lacked fluency in the first half. Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal shared a 110-run opening stand. While Rawal rode her luck to score 40, Mandhana's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement. Late-order cameos by Richa Ghosh (26 off 13) and Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19) gave the innings a much-needed boost, with the last 20 overs yielding 160 runs.

Zaida James, the young left-arm spinner, was the lone bright spot for the West Indies, claiming an impressive maiden five-wicket haul (5-45). However, their joy was short-lived as the Indian bowlers made quick work of the chase.

Renuka Singh’s fiery opening spell proved decisive, dismissing Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin within the first five overs. Renuka's ability to swing the ball and maintain accuracy left the West Indies reeling, as her spell of 8-1-19-4 set the tone for a dominating bowling performance.

The Indian bowling unit was relentless, with Titas Sadhu picking up her first ODI wicket and Priya Mishra chipping in with two crucial dismissals. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed with a stunning one-handed catch, epitomizing India’s sharpness in the field.

West Indies’ batting was a horror show, folding for a mere 103. The visitors will need to regroup and address their frailties if they hope to put up a fight in the remaining matches. Meanwhile, India will look to build on their momentum and refine their middle-order batting as they prepare for the 50-over World Cup on home soil in 10 months

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