By Sherdon Cowan- West Indies Women were left ruing another underwhelming batting display as India, powered by Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance, secured a five-wicket victory in Vadodara to complete a 3-0 ODI series sweep on Friday.
Despite valiant efforts from Chinelle Henry (61) and Shemaine Campbelle (46), whose 91-run fourth-wicket stand briefly revived the innings, the visitors managed only 162 runs as Sharma snared six wickets for 31 runs.
India then chased the target with relative ease, thanks again to Sharma, who produced a composed unbeaten 39 and Richa Ghosh’s explosive finishing knock, as she too ended unbeaten on 23 off 11 balls.
Scores: West Indies 162 all out (38.5 overs); India 167-5 (28.2 overs)
The match began disastrously for the West Indies, who lost three wickets within the first five overs. Renuka Singh’s precise bowling accounted for both the in-form Hayley Matthews (zero) and Qiana Joseph (zero) in the opening over.
Deandra Dottin’s attempted slog across the line added to the early carnage, as she went for five with the Caribbean side reeling at 9 for 3.
Henry, playing her first ODI of the series, and Campbelle attempted to rebuild the innings. After a cautious start, Henry found her rhythm with a six off debutant Tanuja Kanwar to break the shackles.
The Jamaican went on to register her third ODI half-century, as she showcased deft cuts and glides, while Campbelle counterattacked against spin with a series of elegant boundaries.
Their partnership seemed to stabilize the innings, but Sharma’s introduction turned the tide. Campbelle’s ill-advised attempt at a big shot resulted in a comfortable catch at long-on, as her knock, which had seven boundaries, came to an anticlimactic end.
Zaida James (one) fell shortly after, undone by Sharma’s sharp turn and a stunning slip catch by Harmanpreet Kaur.
