Deepti Sharma Shines as India Clinches ODI Series
India chased down 167 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, thanks to Deepti Sharma’s outstanding performances, leading them to victory against West Indies, who scored 162. Key contributions came from Harmanpreet (32), Rodrigues (29), and Ghosh (23*), while Henry’s 61 and Campbelle’s 46 were the highlights for the West Indies. Deepti also excelled with the ball, taking 6 for 31, and Renuka chipped in with 4 for 29.
All-Round Brilliance from Deepti Sharma
In Vadodara, Deepti Sharma delivered an impressive all-round performance that secured a 3-0 ODI series win for India. She initially bowled brilliantly, claiming 6 wickets for 31 runs, and then played a crucial innings, remaining unbeaten on 39 to guide her team to victory by five wickets.
Ghosh’s Quickfire Finish
While Deepti showed resilience, Richa Ghosh sealed the win with a fiery contribution. Coming in with India at 129 for 5, Ghosh struck a rapid 23 runs off just 11 balls, including one four and three sixes, finishing the match with consecutive sixes against leg-spinner Afy Fletcher.
West Indies Struggles with Batting
West Indies faced a daunting task batting under gloomy skies on a pitch that became increasingly challenging. With the exception of an impressive 91-run partnership between Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle, their batting lineup faltered. The team got off to a shocking start, losing three wickets for just 9 runs within the first five overs, thanks to Renuka Singh’s brilliant bowling.
Henry and Campbelle’s Partnership
Despite early setbacks, Henry, playing her first ODI of the series, slowly rebuilt the innings. After initially struggling at the crease, she found her rhythm, hitting a stunning six off debutant Tanuja Kanwar. Meanwhile, Campbelle attacked the spinners confidently, hitting multiple boundaries and appearing to stabilize the innings with her aggressive approach.
Deepti’s Impact on the Game
The crucial partnership between Henry and Campbelle came to an end when Deepti struck, resulting in Campbelle’s dismissal after a well-executed catch by Pratika Rawal at long-on. Deepti continued to dominate, picking up crucial wickets including Zaida James, and despite a dropped catch, the West Indies batting fell apart, losing their last five wickets cheaply.
India’s Chase Starts Nervously
India’s reply was shaky, losing initial wickets rapidly, including Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol. However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur quickly took charge, showcasing her cover driving skills and contributing significantly to the chase with a quick-fire 32 runs.
The Final Steps to Victory
Even though Harmanpreet was dismissed after a solid innings, India pressed on. With important contributions from Deepti, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Ghosh, India confidently chased down the target and completed the series triumph, highlighting the remarkable skills of the women’s team.
