Women’s WC 2022: IND vs WI Review – Smriti, Harmanpreet lead India to a triumph
India picked up a massive win by 155 runs against West Indies in the 10th game of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 and have moved to the top of the points table. The women in blue suffered a painful loss in the previous game to the white ferns and they desperately needed a big win like this to get their campaign back on track.
India got off to a flying start with the opener Yastika Bhatia going after the bowling, however, a flurry of wickets fell in a quick time and India were reduced to 78 for three in the 14th over. Centuries from Smriti Mandhana (123) and Harmanpreet Kaur (104) rescued India as the duo stitched a partnership of 184 runs for the fourth wicket and helped India post a total of 317 on the board for the loss of 8 wickets in 50 overs.
West Indies needed an excellent start from their top order to stand a chance and the openers Deandra Dottin (62) and Hayley Matthews (43) added a century partnership for the first wicket within the 13th over. However, Sneh Rana brought India back into the game with two quick wickets and the West Indies side totally collapsed after losing the openers.
Rana finished with three wickets for 22 runs being the standout among the bowlers, while Meghna Singh picked up two wickets as well as West Indies were all out for just 162.
Top performers of the match
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana found it hard to score runs in the first two games of the women’s World Cup against Pakistan and New Zealand but has come back in style now with a breath-taking century. The left-hander hit 13 fours and two sixes in her 123-run knock and stepped up when India needed her at most. She was adjudged the player of the match as well in the end.
Harmanpreet Kaur
Harmanpreet Kaur has been batting really well in the last few games and she was unfortunate to end up on the losing side in the last game against New Zealand. However, she continued her brilliant form and played a mind-blowing knock of 109 of 107 deliveries that included 10 fours and two sixes. Her match-winning innings turned the game in India’s favour.
What next for the two teams?
India have won two of their three games so far, and they have some tough games coming up against England and Australia. Meanwhile, West Indies have won two close encounters and the big loss to India might just hamper their confidence a little bit. However, they will be looking to put up a good fight against Australia in their next fixture.
