VIJAYAWADA: Indian women whitewashed West Indies women in the three-match one-day international series at Vijayawada. In the third and final match Indian women sealed a thrilling victory beating the Caribbean side by 15 runs with some brilliant bowling performances.
After winning the toss West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor chose to bowl first. Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma opened the Indian innings but failed to give a good start. Deandra Dottin sent Smriti to pavilion in the second over of the match. Skipper Mithali Raj, who has been performing consistently for India, also got out for 15 runs. Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma also departed after a brief partnership in quick succession leaving India at 103 for 4 in 34 overs.
It was Veda Krishnamurthy (71) and Devika Vaidya (32 not out) who not only stabilised the innings but also gave a momentum to the scoring rate as India posted 199 for 6 in 50 overs.
In reply, the West Indies openers started off well. Hayley Matthews and Shaquana Quintyne scored freely and added 49 runs for the first wicket. Deepti Sharma provided first break through for India by sending back Shaquana for 18 runs. After her departure Kycia Knight joined Matthews and both added 20 runs before Rajeswari Gayakwad sent Matthews back to pavilion.
Brief scores: India Women 199 for 6 (Deepti Sharma 29, Veda Krishnamurthy 71, Devika Vaidya 32; Chedean Nation 2/21) bt West Indies Women 184 (Hayley Matthews 44, Kycia Knight 55: Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4 for 34).
