The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as India takes on the West Indies in the 3rd Women’s One-Day International (ODI) at the Reliance Cricket Stadium in Vadodara. This match is crucial as both teams vie to seal the series in what promises to be an enthralling encounter. Here are the live updates and key highlights from this much-anticipated clash.

Pre-Match Build-Up

Coming into the match, India holds a slight edge, having won the second ODI after a solid all-round performance. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s contributions with the bat, coupled with Renuka Singh’s impressive bowling, ensured the hosts stayed alive in the series. On the other hand, the West Indies will be looking to bounce back from their defeat and replicate their dominant showing from the first ODI.

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The pitch at Vadodara is known to be a balanced one, offering assistance to both batters and bowlers. With a clear sky and no rain forecast, fans can expect a full 50-over game.

Toss Update

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews won the toss and opted to bat first, citing the importance of putting runs on the board in a decider. India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur mentioned she would have batted as well but remained confident in her team’s ability to chase.

First Innings: West Indies Batting

The West Indies’ innings got off to a cautious start, with openers Hayley Matthews and Rashada Williams taking time to settle. However, Matthews’ aggressive instincts soon took over as she hit a flurry of boundaries, targeting India’s new-ball bowlers. Renuka Singh, though expensive in her initial overs, provided the breakthrough by dismissing Williams for 18.

Matthews continued to anchor the innings, bringing up her half-century off 58 balls. She found support from Shemaine Campbelle, who played a composed knock of 32. The duo added a crucial 75 runs for the second wicket before Campbelle fell to a well-disguised slower ball from Pooja Vastrakar.

India’s spinners, led by Deepti Sharma, tightened the screws in the middle overs. Deepti’s clever variations earned her two wickets, including the prized scalp of Matthews for 74. Chinelle Henry provided late fireworks, smashing 36 off 22 balls, but the Indian bowlers ensured the West Indies were restricted to 247/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets apiece.

Second Innings: India’s Chase

Chasing 248, India’s opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma started cautiously, respecting the West Indies’ disciplined bowling. Mandhana, fresh off a match-winning knock in the previous game, looked in sublime touch, punishing anything loose. Shafali, after a scratchy start, found her rhythm and unleashed a series of boundaries.

The duo put on a solid 98-run opening stand before Shafali fell to Karishma Ramharack for 47, attempting an ambitious slog. Mandhana, unperturbed, brought up her half-century and continued to anchor the chase. Jemimah Rodrigues joined Mandhana and added another 52 runs to the total before a mix-up in the middle resulted in Mandhana’s run-out for 76.

At 150/2, India looked in control, but the West Indies bowlers staged a mini-comeback. Stafanie Taylor and Matthews picked up quick wickets, removing Rodrigues (28) and Harmanpreet Kaur (14) to leave India at 172/4. The match was finely poised, with 76 needed off the last 12 overs.

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The Finish

India’s lower middle order, led by Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh, rose to the occasion. Deepti played a calm and composed knock, rotating the strike and finding occasional boundaries. Richa provided the aggression, smashing three fours and a six in her quickfire 29.

The duo’s 58-run partnership took India to the brink of victory. Although Richa fell in the penultimate over, Deepti ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding India home with three balls to spare. India finished at 250/6, clinching the match and the series 2-1.

Key Performances

Smriti Mandhana: The star opener once again showed her class with a fluent 76, setting up the chase.

Hayley Matthews: The West Indies skipper led from the front with an all-round performance, scoring 74 and picking up two crucial wickets.

Deepti Sharma: A match-winning all-round display with 2/42 and an unbeaten 42 under pressure.

Renuka Singh: The pacer’s disciplined bowling up front and at the death proved vital in restricting the West Indies.

Post-Match Reactions

India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lauded her team’s resilience and praised the contributions from the senior players. “Smriti’s innings gave us the perfect platform, and Deepti’s composure in the end was remarkable. This series win means a lot as we prepare for bigger challenges ahead,” she said.

Hayley Matthews, despite the loss, expressed pride in her team’s fight. “We put up a good score, but credit to India for chasing it down. There are a lot of positives for us to take from this series,” she remarked.

Conclusion

India vs West Indies thrilling win in Vadodara not only secured the series but also showcased the depth and determination of their squad. As both teams look ahead to future assignments, this series will be remembered for its high-quality cricket and closely contested matches. The fans in Vadodara and around the world were treated to a spectacle, reaffirming the growing stature of women’s cricket on the global stage.