Indian women vs West Indies women first ODI: Smriti, Renuka power India to huge win
The HinduThere’s no stopping Smriti Mandhana. Despite a quick turnaround time after a hectic T20I series, she swiftly changed formats and continued her fine form with a classy 91 as India piled up 314 for nine — its second-highest total in ODIs — before Renuka Singh Thakur’s maiden fifer powered India to a 211-run win against the West Indies in the series opener. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews ended Pratika’s stay with a sharp return catch, but India did not stutter as Smriti built another 50-run stand with Harleen Deol before being trapped leg before by Zaida James — nine short of a century. Though Zaida impressed, listless bowling from the other end and sloppy fielding let West Indies down, and making most of the opportunity, India could build regular partnerships en route to the 300-run mark. Negating the dew factor, Renuka’s fiery opening spell and some tight bowling by Titas Sadhu meant West Indies was never in the chase.