Women in blue are on a tour to the Caribbean playing the hosts in 3 ODIs and 5 T20Is and currently, the ODI series is taking place. The first match was held in Antigua, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, and it was won by the hosts in a nail-biting encounter by 1 run. The second ODI was held in the same venue but the result being the opposite, the game was won by India by 53 runs, comfortably.
India won the toss and decided to bat first, with our youngsters opening the innings. Priya Punia and Jemimah Rodrigues failed to provide a smooth start to the side, then came the experienced middle-order as warriors, Punam Raut and Mithali Raj gave the innings a spark with their hard-hitting. A well-made partnership of 66 runs between these two gave the side stability. Skipper Mithali Raj scored 40 and was sent back by Sheneta Grimmond, While the innings was taken into hands by vice-captain Harmanpreet Kaur alongside Punam further carefully. They both stitched a partnership of 93 runs after which Harmanpreet got off on 46 by Aaliyah Alleyne’s delivery, Punam was out after scoring crucial 77 runs by Fletcher, the tailenders contributed a little and India put up a score of 191 runs for hosts to chase. The bowlers of West Indies were quite economical with Allyene and Shakiba picking up a couple of wickets each.
Now this was the time for the hosts to chase down 192 in 50 overs, The openers Natasha Mc-lean and Stacy- Ann king were not that impactful as Stacy was sent back at 6 runs by Shikha Pandey in the fourth over, Natasha was then joined by the wicketkeeper-batswoman, Shemaine Campbelle after which a little stability was visible for the side while Natasha got retired hurt unfortunately which was a blow to the side during 25th over , captain Stafanie Taylor batted alongside Campbelle to keep the scoreboard moving. Taylor was down by the spinner Punam Raut at 20 runs and then Campbelle fell to Rajeshwari while Punam taking the catch, the tail-enders couldn’t make up enough for the chase. The spin trio of Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/27), Poonam Yadav (2/26) and Deepti Sharma (2/25), kept striking at regular intervals which was the difference that lead India to the victory making the series a tie (1-1).
The player of the match was bagged by Punam Raut for an amazing all-round performance.
The final 3rd ODI will be crucial as it will be the series decider and is equally important to both sides as the ODI series is a part of women’s ICC championship. Both sides will lock horns on Wednesday for the decider game at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua.
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