A big day for the Indian cricket fans, India has crushed West Indies by 155 runs in Match number 10 of the Women’s World cup played in Hamilton. After a long time Indian Womens team has scored 300 plus in ODI. Its totally possible by an extra-ordinary effort from the Indian batters especially Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur. A partnership of 184 runs between these two has made India to set up the strong target of 318 runs for the caribbean.
Earlier, an explosive start from Yastika Bhatia and centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur helped India to put on 317 for 8 in 50 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana (123 runs off 119 balls) and Harmanpreet Kaur (109 runs off 107 balls) stands together a brilliant partnership. While batting first, India lost three early batters against West Indies in Match 10 of the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Jhulan Goswami is now the leading wicket-taker in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup history with 40 wickets. This historic achievement was made as WI lost their eighth wickets.
West Indies batters struggle continues
Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews added 81 in the first powerplay of 10 overs to help West Indies start off well. But things changed quickly after Meghna and Rana picked up two wickets each, West Indies reeling at 114/4. West Indies kept losing wickets at regular gaps and get bowled out for 162, handing India a heavy 155-run win. Sneh Rana has taken three crucial wickets while Meghna Singh has taken two wickets.
Smriti Mandhana named as the Man of the Match
The left-handed opening batsman named as the Man of the match for the unexceptionally performance with the bat against West Indies. Mandhana has scored 123 runs off 119 balls including 13 fours and 2 mighty sixers at the strike rate of 103.36 which was totally a beauty to watch.
“Couldn’t have asked for a better effort from the girls. The way they stepped up in a crunch game like this. It had a lot to do with the nerves, Everybody knew about the importance of this game. We needed to step up. Windies came into this game with two wins and we came in after a loss. You need to be a little flexible. The way Smriti and Kaur played sensibly. It is good to have youngsters around. The young ones ease out the nerves by cracking a few jokes. What worked for us was our approach and attitude, The next game might be on a different ground and different conditions. But our approach can be consistent.” said skipper Mithali Raj in post match presentation.
With this win, India is now standing on top of the points table in this ICC Women’s World cup while West Indies is standing at fifth position.
Women in blue will face England in their next league match on Wednesday, 16th match at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
