Harleen Deol’s maiden century led India to a commanding 115-run victory over the West Indies in the second Women’s ODI in Vadodara, securing India a 2-0 series lead. Deol’s 115 (103 balls, 16 fours) anchored India’s total of 358/5, with key contributions from Pratika Rawal (76), Smriti Mandhana (53), and Jemimah Rodrigues (52).
Chasing 359, the West Indies were dismissed for 243, despite Hayley Matthews’ fine 106 (109 balls, 13 fours). India’s bowlers dominated early, reducing the West Indies to 69/4 in the first 20 overs. Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle (38) added 112 runs for the fifth wicket, but Matthews’ departure to off-spinner Rawal sealed the win. The Indian bowlers were disciplined, sticking to good lines on a slightly tricky pitch.
They consistently targeted the stumps, with leg-spinner Priya Mishra brilliant in varying her leg-breaks and googlies, showing no visible change in action.
Along with Priya (3/49), pacer Titas Sadhu (2/42) and experienced spinner Deepti Sharma (2/40) were the standout bowlers for India.
Earlier, Deol’s remarkable hundred led India’s batting effort, helping them equal their highest-ever ODI total, which also became the highest total any team has scored against the West Indies.
The Indian management would be extremely pleased with Deol’s performance, as it showcased her development as a well-rounded player, transitioning from being a primarily off-side batter to someone who can adapt to various situations.
Not a traditional power-hitter, the right-hander has refined her game by adding more subtleties, finding gaps and angles.
This was evident when she hit Deandra Dottin for three fours through fine leg, point, and behind point to move into the 90s.
Her century came off a beautifully timed boundary off pacer Shamilia Connell in 98 balls.
India’s total was also bolstered by Mandhana and Rawal, who added 110 runs for the opening wicket in just 16.3 overs, marking their second consecutive 100-run partnership in ODIs.
They seemed in complete control until some sloppy running between the wickets led to Mandhana’s run out.
Rawal, who reached her maiden ODI fifty in 58 balls, looked set for a hundred in only her second 50-over game, but she fell to Zaida James’ delivery, which bounced extra, leading to her dismissal at short mid-wicket.
She added 62 runs with Deol for the second wicket.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed cheaply, bowled while attempting a slog sweep against Afy Fletcher’s full-length delivery.
The West Indies may have hoped for some relief after Kaur’s dismissal, but Rodrigues joined Deol to add another 116 runs in just over 12 overs for the fourth wicket, taking India to a massive total.
Rodrigues, who reached fifty off just 34 balls, was at her creative best, smashing Connell for four boundaries in an over as India accelerated in the final stages.
Deol eventually fell to Qiana Joseph, but it had little impact on the overall outcome.