India claimed a dominant 115-run victory over the West Indies in the second ODI, clinching an unassailable 2-0 series lead with one match remaining. Chasing a formidable target of 359 runs, the West Indies fought hard but ultimately fell short, as India’s powerful batting performance and disciplined bowling attack proved too much to handle. The win was a testament to India’s all-around superiority, setting the stage for them to aim for a clean sweep in the final match.
India’s innings was built on the solid foundation laid by their opening pair, Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. The duo put together a commanding 110-run partnership, with Mandhana playing a measured knock of 53 runs before being run out. Rawal, who showed remarkable consistency and fluency, scored 76 runs off 86 balls and was looking set for a century before she was dismissed. Her knock was crucial in providing the platform for the rest of the team to build upon.
Harleen Deol, who came in at number three, played an essential role in accelerating the innings, showing patience at first and then taking charge later on. Her maiden ODI century, an impressive 100 runs off 108 balls, came at a critical time, pushing India’s total beyond the 350-run mark. Deol’s innings included 11 boundaries, as she became the cornerstone of India’s massive total.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian captain, contributed a modest 22 runs, but it was Jemimah Rodrigues who played a vital role in continuing the momentum. Rodrigues, with a well-made 52 runs, supported the middle order, ensuring that India maintained its aggressive approach. The lower-order finishers, Richa Ghosh (13*) and Deepti Sharma (45*), played their part in providing the finishing touches, as India posted a commanding 358/5 in their allotted 50 overs.
On the bowling front, India’s bowlers maintained the pressure throughout the West Indies' chase. The West Indies struggled in all departments, particularly in their fielding, which was sloppy and led to several extras, including 20 wides. Despite the pressure, Hayley Matthews was the standout player for the visitors, contributing an outstanding 106 runs, her seventh ODI century. Matthews fought valiantly, but she lacked support from her teammates.
Matthews was briefly partnered by Shemaine Campbelle, who made a useful contribution with 38 runs. Together, they formed a solid fifth-wicket partnership, adding 112 runs, but the required run rate continued to climb as wickets fell at regular intervals. The pressure eventually became too much to handle, and West Indies' chase faltered. India’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Priya Mishra was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for her efforts, while Deepti Sharma, Pratika Rawal, and Titas Sadhu each contributed with two wickets. Renuka Singh also played a pivotal role, removing the dangerous Deandra Dottin for just 10 runs.
In the end, the West Indies could only manage 243 runs in 46.2 overs, falling short by 115 runs. India’s comprehensive win highlighted their dominance in both batting and bowling. With the series already secured, India will look to complete the sweep in the final match, further cementing their status as the superior team. The West Indies, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reflect on their performance as they look to avoid a whitewash and salvage some pride in the final game.
