Indian pacer Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a breathtaking performance in the first ODI against the West Indies, claiming her career-best bowling figures of 5/29 (10) in the format.
Renuka’s spell surpassed her previous best of 4/28, achieved against Sri Lanka in 2022, playing a pivotal role in India’s commanding 211-run victory at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara.
After being put into bat, India posted an imposing total of 314, their second-highest score in ODIs. The Windies faced a monumental challenge to chase the target under the lights. Renuka set the tone early by dismissing the dangerous Hayley Matthews, who nicked one to wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh.
Renuka continued to trouble the batters with her sharp movement and precision. Her second wicket came in the form of Deandra Dottin, whose attempt to loft a delivery towards mid-wicket ended with her stumps shattered.
Renuka’s third breakthrough further dented the Windies’ batting line-up when she sent Aaliyah Alleyne back to the pavilion. Her spell was a masterclass in swing bowling, with batters finding it nearly impossible to tackle her under the lights. Shabika Gajnabi became her fourth victim, as her stumps were uprooted spectacularly.
Renuka capped off her memorable performance with a flying catch by Harmanpreet Kaur to dismiss Shemaine Campbelle, completing her five-wicket haul. Notably, Renuka is only the third Indian pacer to bag an ODI fifer, and the 2nd after Jhulan Goswami to produce a fifer in both ODIs and T20Is.
Renuka’s spell included a maiden over, and her impactful bowling ensured the Windies were bundled out for just 103 runs. The Indian team’s dominant performance resulted in a massive 211-run victory. For her exceptional bowling display, Renuka Singh Thakur was named the player of the match.
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