Harleen Deol’s impressive maiden century guided India to a formidable total of 358 for five, putting them in a strong position to win both the match and the series against the West Indies in the second Women’s ODI on Tuesday. With this victory, India leads the three-match series 1-0 and is on track to extend their lead after equalling their highest-ever ODI total, which is also the highest score any team has achieved against the West Indies.
Deol scored 115 runs off 103 balls, hitting 16 fours, and played a crucial role in India’s batting performance. She received solid support from Pratika Rawal, who scored 76 runs from 86 balls with 10 fours and 1 six; Smriti Mandhana, who contributed 53 runs off 47 balls with 7 fours and 2 sixes; and Jemimah Rodrigues, who added 52 runs from 36 balls with 6 fours and 1 six, after India chose to bat first.
The Indian management will be pleased with Deol’s century, as she demonstrated her growth as an all-around player, moving beyond her previous focus on off-side batting. Although not primarily a power hitter, the right-handed batter has refined her technique by improving her ability to find angles and gaps. This was evident when she scored three fours against Deandra Dottin through fine leg, point, and behind point as she approached the 90s. She reached her century with a well-timed boundary off pacer Shamilia Connell in just 98 balls.
India’s impressive total can also be attributed to Mandhana and Rawal, who built a strong opening partnership of 110 runs in just 16.3 overs, marking their second consecutive 100-run partnership in ODIs. They appeared to be in control until some careless running between the wickets led to Mandhana’s run-out. Rawal, who notched her maiden ODI fifty in 58 balls, seemed poised for a hundred in only her second 50-over match but fell to Zaida James’ delivery, which had extra bounce, leading to her dismissal at short mid-wicket. She contributed 62 runs for the second wicket alongside Deol.
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur was unable to make a significant impact, getting bowled in an attempt to slog sweep Afy Fletcher’s full-length delivery. The West Indies might have hoped for a reprieve after Kaur’s exit, but Jemimah Rodrigues joined Deol to add a further 116 runs for the fourth wicket in just over 12 overs, solidifying India’s commanding position. Rodrigues, who reached her fifty in just 34 balls, showcased her innovation by hitting Connell for four boundaries in one over, allowing India to accelerate towards the end of their innings.
Deol was eventually dismissed by Qiana Joseph, but by that time, she had already ensured that the match was well beyond the opponents’ reach.
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