Indian team’s preparation is looking up to the mark ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022.
The Women in Blue have won both their warm-up matches, with the latest one coming against the West Indies at Mainpower Oval in Rangiora on Tuesday (March 1).
Riding on opener Smriti Mandhana's 67-ball 66 and the bowlers' disciplined effort, India thrashed West Indies by 81 runs in their final warm-up game prior to the showpiece event.
Mandhana, who took a blow on her head in the first practice match against South Africa on Sunday, batted brilliantly to lay the foundation for India’s challenging total of 258 all out in 50 overs.
With the ball, India restricted the West Indies to 177/9 to win the match by a huge margin.
Apart from Mandhana, Deepti Sharma played an important knock of 64-ball 51 during India’s innings. On the other hand, skipper Mithali Raj contributed 30 off 42 balls while Yastika Bhatia chipped with a handy 42 off 53 balls.
Pooja Vastrakar was the stand-out bowler for India, returning with the figures of 3/21 in her seven overs while there were two wickets apiece for Meghna Singh and Deepti. Veteran pacer Jhulan Goswami (0/14 in 8 overs) also bowled exceptionally well but she failed to claim a wicket.
India had defeated South Africa by two runs in their first warm-up game and they will open their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on March 6 at the Bay Oval.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 258 in 50 overs (Smriti Mandhana 66, Deepti Sharma 51) defeated West Indies Women: 177/9 in 50 overs (Shemaine Campbelle 63, Hayley Matthews 44; Pooja Vastrakar 3/21) by 81 runs.
(With PTI inputs)