India’s power-packed batting lineup put on a formidable 314/9 in the opening ODI of their ongoing series against West Indies, but the story of the night was young Zaida James, who’s brilliant 5-for offered a glimmer of hope for the visitors. The 20-year-old left-arm spinner etched her name in history, becoming the first visiting spinner to claim a five-wicket haul against India women in ODIs. Watch her stunning spell here.
India’s charge was led by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (91 off 102), who registered her fourth consecutive half-century. Mandhana, alongside debutant Pratika Rawal (40 off 69), built a solid 110-run opening stand, setting the tone for a mammoth total. But as India looked to finish strong, James turned the tide
James struck her first blow in the 32nd over, trapping Mandhana lbw as she attempted a paddle sweep. She then dismissed the dangerous Jemimah Rodrigues (31 off 19) in the 48th over and followed it up by removing Saima Thakor in the same over. With three scalps in hand, West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews entrusted her with the final over, and James delivered in style.
She dismissed Titas Sadhu and Renuka Singh Thakur to complete her maiden five-for, finishing with figures of 5 for 45 – the best-ever ODI bowling performance for a West Indies woman against India. James surpassed Anisa Mohammed’s 5 for 46 in 2019 and Stafanie Taylor’s 4 for 21 in 2021, cementing her place in the record books.
Best ODI figures for West Indies women against India:
5-45 Zaida James, 2024
5-46 Anisa Mohammed, 2019
4-21 Stafanie Taylor, 2021
4-27 Anisa Mohammed, 2011
While James shone, the West Indies batting lineup crumbled spectacularly. Renuka Singh’s fiery spell of 5 for 29 left the visitors reeling. Striking early, she removed Matthews and Deandra Dottin inside the first five overs. From there, West Indies could never recover.
Only Shemaine Campbelle (21 off 39) and Afy Fletcher (24* off 22) offered resistance as the team folded for a paltry 103 in just 27.2 overs. Renuka’s maiden five-fer was instrumental in handing India a massive 211-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.
Though the night ended in a crushing defeat for West Indies, Zaida James’s brilliance stood out. Her name now sits alongside legends, and her spell promises to be a steppingstone for a bright future.
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