Harleen Deol‘s maiden century led India to a resounding 115-run victory over the West Indies in the second Women’s ODI on Saturday. This win secured an unassailable 2-0 lead for India in the three-match series.
Deol’s impressive 115 off 103 balls, including 16 fours, formed the cornerstone of India’s record-equalling total of 358 for five. She received valuable support from Pratika Rawal (76), Smriti Mandhana (53), and Jemimah Rodrigues (52).
Chasing a daunting 359, the West Indies were bowled out for 243. Captain Hayley Matthews scored a fluent century (106), but it wasn’t enough to overcome the massive target.
The West Indies struggled early on, falling to 69 for four within the first 20 overs. The Indian bowlers maintained disciplined lines and lengths, making it difficult for the West Indies batters to score freely.
Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle (38) offered some resistance with a 112-run partnership for the fifth wicket, delaying the inevitable. Matthews’ seventh ODI century came off 99 balls, showcasing her power and precision.
Off-spinner Rawal eventually dismissed Matthews, breaking the crucial partnership. The Indian bowlers were commended for their consistent accuracy on a slightly challenging pitch.
They frequently targeted the stumps, and leg-spinner Priya Mishra effectively mixed her leg-breaks and googlies. Mishra finished with figures of 3/49, while Titas Sadhu (2/42) and Deepti Sharma (2/40) also contributed with crucial wickets.
Deol’s century propelled India to their highest-ever ODI total, matching their previous best and setting a new highest total against the West Indies. The Indian team management expressed satisfaction with Deol’s performance, highlighting her development as an all-around player.
Deol showcased her improved ability to find angles and gaps, demonstrating a more nuanced batting approach. She elegantly placed three consecutive fours through fine leg, point, and behind point in the 90s.
Her century arrived with a well-timed boundary off Shamilia Connell in 98 balls. Mandhana and Rawal provided a strong start, adding 110 runs for the opening wicket in just 16.3 overs. This marked their second consecutive century partnership in ODIs.
Their partnership ended with Mandhana’s run-out due to some miscommunication between the wickets. Rawal, who scored her maiden ODI fifty in 58 balls, appeared set for a century in her second 50-over game. However, she was dismissed for 76, caught at short mid-wicket off Zaida James’ delivery.
Rawal and Deol added 62 runs for the second wicket. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur was bowled attempting a slog sweep off Afy Fletcher’s full-length delivery.
Rodrigues joined Deol after Kaur’s dismissal, and the pair added 116 runs in just over 12 overs for the fourth wicket. Rodrigues, reaching her fifty off just 34 balls, displayed her innovative strokeplay, hitting Connell for four boundaries in a single over.
Deol was eventually dismissed by Qiana Joseph, but her contribution had already laid the foundation for India’s imposing total. India continued to accelerate in the final overs, setting the West Indies a challenging target.
Deol’s century, supported by strong contributions from other batters, and disciplined bowling secured a comprehensive victory for India. The team’s performance demonstrated their dominance and strengthened their position in the series.
