Sports Buzz

Tag: Smriti Mandhana

  • Fans react as defending champions RCB sign off from WPL 2025 with a victory over Mumbai Indians

    Fans react as defending champions RCB sign off from WPL 2025 with a victory over Mumbai Indians

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 season on a positive note with an 11-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, on March 11. Led by Smriti Mandhana, RCB finally broke their five-match losing streak, securing a consolation win.

    Despite their struggles throughout the tournament, RCB delivered a dominant performance with the bat, posting a competitive 199/3 in 20 overs. MI put up a strong fight in the chase, with Nat Sciver-Brunt‘s blistering knock of 69 off 35 balls, but RCB’s bowlers held their nerve to seal the win. With this result, Delhi Capitals (DC) became the first team to qualify for the WPL 2025 final, while Mumbai will now face Gujarat Giants in the Eliminator for a spot in the summit clash.

    Smriti Mandhana and Georgia Wareham shine in RCB’s power-packed batting display

    After being asked to bat first, RCB got off to a blazing start, thanks to Sabbhineni Meghana’s quickfire 26 off 13 balls. She set the tone with aggressive stroke play before falling to Hayley Matthews. However, captain Mandhana anchored the innings with a fluent 53 off 37 balls, striking six fours and three sixes.

    Ellyse Perry played a stabilizing role, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 38 balls, ensuring that RCB kept the momentum going. Richa Ghosh provided the late push, smashing a 22-ball 36, but Georgia Wareham’s explosive cameo changed the game. She hammered 31 off just 10 balls, with five fours and one six, taking RCB to an imposing total of 199/3 in their 20 overs.

    Mumbai’s bowlers struggled on a batting-friendly surface, with Matthews (2/37) and Amelia Kerr (1/47) being the only wicket-takers. The rest of the bowling attack, including Shabnim Ismail, Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot Kaur, failed to contain RCB’s aggressive batters.

    Also WATCH: “You’re in the list of hottest cricketers”: Ellyse Perry blushes on Mayanti Langer’s bold remark

    Nat Sciver-Brunt’s heroics for MI in vain as RCB bowlers hold nerve

    Chasing 200 for victory, Mumbai started aggressively but lost wickets at regular intervals. Matthews (19 off 16) and Kerr (9 off 10) fell early, putting MI on the back foot. Sciver-Brunt then took charge, smashing a 35-ball 69, laced with nine fours and two sixes. She single-handedly kept MI in the hunt, but RCB struck at crucial junctures to derail their chase.

    After Harmanpreet Kaur’s dismissal for 20, the lower order had too much to do. Amanjot (17 off 15), Sajeevan Sajana (23 off 12), and Sanskriti Gupta (10 off 4) tried to accelerate, but RCB’s bowlers held firm. Sneh Rana (3/26) was the standout performer, dismissing key batters at crucial moments, while Ellyse Perry (2/53) and Kim Garth (2/33) provided vital breakthroughs. Despite Mumbai reaching 188/9 in 20 overs, they fell 11 runs short, handing RCB a much-needed win before exiting the tournament.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also READ: WPL 2025 – RCB superstar Ellyse Perry reveals her admiration for the Kumbh Mela

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



    Source link

  • WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana’s RCB suffers 3rd consecutive defeat as Gujarat Giants dominate in Bengaluru

    WPL 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana’s RCB suffers 3rd consecutive defeat as Gujarat Giants dominate in Bengaluru

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) endured another disappointing outing in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 as they suffered their third consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of Gujarat Giants.

    Playing at home in Bengaluru, RCB failed to post a competitive total, managing only 125/7 in their 20 overs. Gujarat, led by a blistering knock from captain Ashleigh Gardner, chased down the target comfortably in just 16.3 overs, securing a commanding six-wicket victory.

    RCB’s batting struggles continue as Gujarat Giants’ bowlers shine

    RCB’s batting woes were again evident as they lost early wickets, struggling to build partnerships. Danni Wyatt-Hodge was dismissed for just 4 runs in the first over, while Ellyse Perry followed suit, falling for a duck to Gardner. Skipper Smriti Mandhana, who has been out of form, also failed to make an impact, managing just 10 off 20 balls before falling to Tanuja Kanwar.

    The middle-order showed some fight, with Kanika Ahuja (33 off 28) and Raghvi Bist (22 off 19) stitching together a 48-run stand. However, regular wickets towards the end meant RCB could only muster 125/7. Gujarat’s bowling attack was disciplined, with Tanuja Kanwar (2/16) and Deandra Dottin (2/31) leading the charge, while Kashvee Gautam and Gardner also chipped in with a wicket each.

    Also WATCH: Ashleigh Gardner strikes as Ellyse Perry records her first-ever WPL duck

    Ashleigh Gardner’s power-packed fifty guides Gujarat to comfortable win

    Chasing 126, Gujarat got off to a cautious start, losing Beth Mooney (17) and Dayalan Hemalatha (11) inside the powerplay. Harleen Deol struggled before falling for 5, leaving Gujarat at 66/3 in the 10th over. However, captain Gardner took charge, playing a stunning knock of 58 off just 31 balls, smashing six fours and three sixes.

    Gardner’s counterattack, along with Phoebe Litchfield’s composed 30 off 21 balls, ensured Gujarat cruised to victory with 21 balls to spare. Georgia Wareham was the only bright spot for RCB with the ball, picking up 2/26, while Renuka Singh also grabbed two wickets. With this win, Gujarat climbed the points table, while RCB’s playoff hopes took a major hit with their third straight loss.

    Here’s how Twitter reacted:

    Also WATCH: Shabnim Ismail knocks over Sophie Ecclestone’s middle stump with an absolute snorter

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



    Source link

  • WPL 2025: Fans go wild as Smriti Mandhana’s brilliance guides RCB to victory over Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets

    WPL 2025: Fans go wild as Smriti Mandhana’s brilliance guides RCB to victory over Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets

    In an exciting encounter at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched a dominant 8-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals (DC) in the fourth match of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The chase was clinical, with Smriti Mandhana leading the way with a blistering 81 runs off 47 balls, propelling RCB to a comfortable win with 22 balls to spare. The result marks RCB’s second win in the tournament, enhancing their position as a formidable side. Delhi, despite a few individual sparks, fell short in both batting and bowling, leaving them with a lot to reflect upon after the heavy defeat.

    Delhi Capitals’ innings falter under pressure

    Delhi’s batting innings was a tale of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises. From the very beginning, they were on the back foot, with Shafali Verma’s unfortunate dismissal for a duck setting the tone. Meg Lanning, the captain, was dismissed cheaply for just 17 runs, and despite some resistance from Jemimah Rodrigues (34 runs) and Sarah Bryce (23 runs), the middle order crumbled under pressure. The performance was further hampered by the lack of partnerships, as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. RCB’s bowlers, particularly Renuka Singh, were on top of their game, executing their plans flawlessly. Renuka’s 3-wicket haul for 23 runs, along with Georgia Wareham’s excellent spell, dismantled Delhi’s batting line-up. With 141 runs on the board, Delhi found themselves in a challenging position, having posted a below-par total that would need a herculean effort to defend.

    Also READ: WPL 2025: Here’s why Delhi Capitals fielded 5 overseas players against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

    Smriti Mandhana’s masterclass powers RCB to a comfortable victory

    Mandhana’s outstanding 81-run knock turned the match firmly in RCB’s favor, as the opening batter led her team to victory in clinical fashion. Mandhana’s performance was an exhibition of elegant stroke play, as she found gaps with ease, smashing 10 boundaries and 3 sixes, with a strike rate of over 170. Her ability to accelerate and stay composed under pressure was evident from the way she paced her innings. Alongside her, Danni Wyatt-Hodge played a supporting role with a valuable knock of 42 runs off 33 balls, adding stability to the chase. Their 107-run opening partnership put RCB in a commanding position, leaving little room for the Delhi bowlers to fight back. After Wyatt and Mandhana’s dismissal, Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh brought the match to a close with ease, sealing the victory with 22 balls to spare. This all-around performance by RCB, spearheaded by Mandhana, proved they are a force to be reckoned with in the Women’s Premier League.

    Here’s how fans reacted:

    Also READ: WV Raman suggests Australian legend as India’s mentor for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



    Source link

  • Women’s Premier League: Team captains share their plans for WPL 2025

    Women’s Premier League: Team captains share their plans for WPL 2025

    The new season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to begin on February 14 with the opening match between Gujarat Giants and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The tournament is anticipated to have some nail-biting fixtures and exciting cricket action with the final scheduled to be held on March 15 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

    As the teams gear up for the prestigious competition, captains of all 5 teams in the league shared insights on their respective team plans during a press conference organized by WPL’s official broadcaster Star Sports.

    Meg Lanning hopes her side wins their maiden title this season

    The skipper of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Meg Lanning, expressed confidence in her team’s performance, stating that they did almost everything right and remained one of the most dominant sides in the league. She believes there is no need for significant changes in their approach, as their overall strategy has been effective. However, the DC captain emphasized that success in high-stakes matches ultimately comes down to handling pressure. Lanning acknowledged that this is the one key area where DC would aim to improve in the upcoming season. Capitals were finalists of the league in the previous and have a star-studded squad featuring Jemimah Rodriguez, Marizanne Kapp, and Laura Wolvaardt.

    Harmanpreet Kaur expresses confidence in young turks

    Mumbai Indians’ captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, emphasized the significant impact of the WPL in providing young Indian players with a platform to showcase their talent and earn national call-ups over the past two seasons. She credited the league for nurturing emerging cricketers and giving them invaluable exposure at the highest level. While refraining from naming specific players, Harmanpreet expressed confidence that several rising stars will make a lasting impression on the big stage this season.

    Also Read: WPL 2025: 5 Overseas players to watch out for in the Women’s Premier League

    Smriti Mandhana addresses injury concerns

    The captain of defending champions RCB, Smriti Mandhana, addressed the setback of losing key players like Sophie Devine to injury, acknowledging that such challenges are concerning but emphasizing the need to make the most of the squad at hand. She reaffirmed the team’s determination to defend their title despite the hurdles. Smriti also spoke about the electrifying experience of playing in front of the passionate Chinnaswamy crowd, describing RCB’s fan base as deeply emotional—where both love and criticism come in equal measure, but on a grand scale. However, she sees this intense fan engagement as a source of motivation, driving the team to give their absolute best, not just for themselves but for the dedicated supporters who invest their hearts in RCB.

    A new challenge for Deepti Sharma

    Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma, newly appointed as captain of UP Warriorz following Alyssa Healy’s injury-enforced absence, acknowledged the immense responsibility that comes with leading the team. However, having previously captained her state side, she remains confident in her ability to step up and deliver strong results. Deepti expressed her enthusiasm for new challenges, embracing the leadership role as an opportunity for growth. Deepti expressed her determination to make the most of this chance and is hopeful of guiding UP Warriorz to a successful campaign with her experience and strategic mindset.

    Ashleigh Gardner confident of the great leap forward

    After two disappointing seasons at the bottom of the points table, the Giants have made a strategic leadership change, appointing Ashleigh Gardner as captain in place of Beth Mooney. Gardner emphasized that the team is not dwelling on past setbacks but is fully focused on a stronger performance this season. She expressed confidence in the squad’s improved balance, highlighting the presence of greater international experience and promising young talent. While the ultimate goal is to compete for the title, Gardner stressed that the immediate priority is achieving significantly better results than in the previous two seasons, taking it one step at a time.

    Also Read: Women’s Premier League 2025 – Here’s how to buy tickets for WPL matches

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

    Source link

  • IND-W vs IRE-W: Fans go wild as Smriti Mandhana hits fastest ODI hundred for India

    IND-W vs IRE-W: Fans go wild as Smriti Mandhana hits fastest ODI hundred for India

    The Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium was electric with excitement as Smriti Mandhana, the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team, smashed the fastest century for India in the 3rd One Day International (ODI) against Ireland, rewriting the record books. Mandhana’s explosive innings not only catapulted India towards a likely series whitewash but also sent fans into a frenzy, celebrating a historic moment in Indian women’s cricket.

    A milestone knock by Smriti Mandhana

    Mandhana reached her hundred off just 70 deliveries, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur‘s previous record of 87 balls for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman. Her knock was not just about speed; it was a masterclass in aggressive batting with elegant strokes all around the ground. The innings included 14 boundaries and 3 sixes, showcasing her ability to dominate the opposition from the outset.

    Fastest hundreds for India in WODIs (by balls taken):

    • 70 – Smriti Mandhana vs Ireland, Rajkot 2025
    • 87 – Harmanpreet Kaur vs South Africa, Bengaluru 2024
    • 90 – Harmanpreet Kaur vs Australia, Derby 2017
    • 90 – Jemimah Rodrigues vs Ireland, Rajkot 2025
    • 98 – Harleen Deol vs West Indies, Vadodara 2024

    Also READ: ICC ODI Rankings: Jemimah Rodrigues records career-best rating, Sophie Ecclestone stays on top among bowlers

    A historic partnership with Pratika Rawal

    After Mandhana was dismissed for a splendid 135 in Rajkot, her partnership with Pratika Rawal etched a new chapter in the annals of Indian women’s cricket. Their 233-run partnership for the opening wicket against Ireland now stands as the third-highest partnership for India in Women’s One Day Internationals. This monumental stand surpassed iconic partnerships like the 320-run record by Punam Raut and Deepti Sharma against Ireland in 2017 and the 258-run unbeaten effort by Mithali Raj and Reshma Gandhi back in 1999. This achievement not only highlights the dynamic batting prowess at the top of the Indian order but also signifies a historic moment in the ongoing series, further cementing Mandhana’s legacy in the sport.

    Here is how fans reacted:

    Also READ: Top 5 highest totals for India in Women’s ODIs

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.



    Source link

  • India Women create history with colossal 358/5 total against West Indies in 2nd ODI

    India Women create history with colossal 358/5 total against West Indies in 2nd ODI

    The Indian women’s cricket team is on a full roll in the ongoing white-ball series against the West Indies at home. After winning the T20I series, India Women continued their dominance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against the West Indies women’s cricket team.

    Indian girls won the first ODI by 211 runs, and now they are looking to extend their dominance in the ongoing second ODI against the West Indies Women at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, December 24. The ongoing ODI series is part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

    India Women dominates West Indies with a record 358/5 total in the second ODI

    Speaking about the second ODI in Vadodara, Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bat first against the West Indies Women, and her batters didn’t disappoint her. India managed to post the record total of 358/5 in their 50 overs in the ongoing second ODI.

    Read Also: Smriti Mandhana on brink of history; set to claim No.1 spot in ICC T20I, ODI Rankings

    Indian openers Smriti Mandhan and Pratika Rawal gave India Women a flying start, as they added 110 runs in 99 balls before the senior batter ran out by Karishma Ramharack for 53 runs off 47 balls, studded with seven boundaries and two sixes against the West Indies.

    Then, Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol joined hands to put up another partnership of 62 runs off 75 balls to set the solid stage for the middle order before the India Women opener departed by Zaida James for a stunning 76 runs off 86 balls, laced with ten boundaries and a single maximum.

    Harleen Deol gets her highest ODI score against West Indies Women

    Well, Harleen Deol continued her hammering and added 43 runs for the third wicket with the captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who fell to Afy Fletcher for just 22 runs in the ongoing second ODI against the West Indies. Meanwhile, it was the time for the Jemimah Rodrigues and Harleen Deol show.

    The duo stitched the remarkable fourth wicket partnership of 116 runs off 71 balls to ensure India Women posted a challenging total on the board against the Caribbean women. While Jemimah Rodrigues (52) fell to Deantra Dottin after completing her fifty, Harleen Deol went on to smoke a stunning century, but Qiana Joseph cut short her innings at 115 off 123 balls.

    Read Also: Watch: Rohit Sharma angrily yells at female fan over persistent ‘Shubman Gill’ demand at MCG

    Harleen Deol smashed 16 boundaries during her masterclass against the West Indies in the ongoing second ODI match at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. Later, Rich Gosh (13*) and Deepti Sharma (4*) added an unbeaten 17 runs off 10 balls to take India to 358/5 on the board against the West Indies.

    Indian Women post highest ODI total in History with 358/5

    It was India’s women’s joint-highest total in ODI cricket. Additionally, the Indian women’s cricket team has been rewriting the record books with an incredible display of batting dominance in 2024. India Women achieved three mammoth 300+ totals in ODI cricket this year, surpassing their previous best of two 300+ scores in 2022.

    Adding another feather to their cap, the Indian women’s team also crossed the 200-run mark twice in ODIs this year, a milestone they failed to achieve in their history. Currently, India is looking for another big win over the West Indies, having taken three wickets for just 40 runs.

    Source link

  • Smriti Mandhana on brink of history; set to claim No.1 spot in ICC T20I, ODI Rankings

    Smriti Mandhana on brink of history; set to claim No.1 spot in ICC T20I, ODI Rankings

    Indian women’s cricket team batter Smriti Mandhana is inching closer to the top spot in both the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings and ICC Women’s ODI Batter Rankings after her standout performances in the ongoing white-ball series against the West Indies.

    In the latest updated rankings, Smriti Mandhana is currently ranked second in both the ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings and the ICC Women’s ODI Batter Rankings, thanks to her exceptional form with the bat. Her latest ODI rating stands at 739, just 34 points behind leader Laura Wolvaardt (773).

    Smriti Mandhana moves closer to No.1 Ranking in both T20I and ODI formats

    The 28-year-old left-hander has a great opportunity to surpass Laura Wolvaardt this week, as India still has two more ODI games to play against the West Indies Women at home. The Indian women’s cricket team is currently playing West Indies in the second ODI at Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, and the opener Mandhana has already made 25*.

    Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah faces allegations of suspect bowling action ahead of Boxing Day Test

    On the other hand, in the latest ICC Women’s T20I Batter Rankings, Smriti Mandhana’s 753 rating is only 4 points shy of Beth Mooney’s 757. She scored 62 off 41 balls and 77 off 47 balls, completing a hat trick of half-centuries against the West Indies in the recent T20I series at home.

    Mandhana’s stellar form continued in the ongoing three-match ODI series, where she played a remarkable knock of 91 runs off 102 balls in the opening match in Vadodara, which was her fifth consecutive score of 50+ in international cricket.

    Meanwhile, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has showcased her brilliance with the bat in the ongoing India series, smashing an unbeaten 85* off 47 balls and a quick-fire 22 off 17 balls in the recent two-match T20I series.

    Harmanpreet Kaur, Hayley Matthews, and Alyssa Healy climb ICC Women’s Rankings after solid performances

    Her impressive performance has propelled Hayley Matthews to equal third in the ICC Women’s T20I Batting Rankings, tied with Tahlia McGrath, both holding a rating of 748. Since the ICC Women’s Championship actions are underway across the world, the bottom half of the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings has seen some changes.

    India Women captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 34 in the first ODI against the West Indies helped her move up three spots, placing alongside Tammy Beaumont at the 10th spot, as they both have a rating of 631.

    Australia’s Alyssa Healy also climbed up two spots, moving to eighth place with a rating of 640, after scoring 39 and 34 against New Zealand. On the other hand, Annabel Sutherland made a significant rise in the ICC Women’s ODI Batter Rankings, jumping 11 spots to 18th with a rating of 563.

    Read Also: “These youngsters are…”: Rohit Sharma’s bold verdict on Pant, Gill, Jaiswal’s struggles in Australia

    Annabel Sutherland’s all-round brilliance pushes her up in ICC Women’s Rankings

    Sutherland’s 105* and 42, followed by a 3/39 in the third ODI, also saw her climb two spots to 7th in the ICC Women’s All-Rounder Rankings, surpassing Sophie Devine and Chamari Athapaththu. In the latest ICC Women’s bowling rankings, emerging talents made significant progress.

    Australia’s Alana King and Kim Garth climbed up the rankings, with King moving up two spots to 12th and Garth rising four places to 13th. Annabel Sutherland’s performances also saw her jump three spots to 17th.

    New Zealand’s Melie Kerr made a notable rise to 11th with 572 points. India’s Renuka Singh, after her standout performance of 5/29 in the first ODI, helped her to move up six places to 20th with 497 points in the updated ICC Women’s ODI bowling rankings.

    Source link

  • IN-W vs WI-W, 2nd ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | India vs West Indies 2024

    IN-W vs WI-W, 2nd ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | India vs West Indies 2024

    The second ODI of the West Indies Women’s tour of India 2024 is set to take place on Sunday, December 24, at Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

    India secured a dominant 211-run victory in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win was powered by an excellent batting performance from opener Smriti Mandhana and a standout bowling display from Renuka Thakur Singh, who claimed an impressive five-wicket haul and was named Player of the Match.

    West Indies Women’s tour of India 2024, 2nd ODI:

    • Date and Time: December 24: 8:00 am GMT / 1:30 pm local/ 1:30 pm IST
    • Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

    Kotambi Stadium Pitch Report

    The pitch at Kotambi Stadium promises an exciting contest between bat and ball. Early movement and spin are expected, providing ideal conditions for spinners to shine in the opening stages. Batting will be tough initially, demanding skill and patience to overcome the challenging conditions. Teams winning the toss may opt to bowl first, looking to take advantage of the favourable early conditions. However, if the initial phase is navigated successfully, batting first could also result in a strong total.

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

    • Wicketkeepers: Shemaine Campbelle, Richa Ghosh
    • Batters: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Qiana Joseph, Jemimah Rodrigues
    • All-rounders: Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma
    • Bowlers: Afy Fletcher, Renuka Thakur Singh

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

    Choice 1: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Hayley Matthews (vc)
    Choice 2: Smriti Mandhana (c), Qiana Joseph (vc)

    Also READ: Renuka Singh Thakur’s fifer and Smriti Mandhana’s 91 take India home in the ODI series opener against West Indies

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

    Titas Sadhu, Zaida James, Priya Mishra, Pratika Rawal

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 24, 8:00 am GMT):

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (Screengrab: Dream11)

    Squads:

    India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh(wk), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Renuka Thakur Singh, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Tejal Hasabnis, Tanuja Kanwar

    West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Rashada Williams, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Shamilia Connell, Chinelle Henry, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Nerissa Crafton

    Also READ: England unveil 2025 Women’s Ashes squads for Australia tour

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

    Source link

  • Renuka Singh Thakur’s fifer and Smriti Mandhana’s 91 take India home in the ODI series opener against West Indies

    Renuka Singh Thakur’s fifer and Smriti Mandhana’s 91 take India home in the ODI series opener against West Indies

    India Women secured a resounding victory over West Indies Women in the first ODI of their three-match series at Vadodara on Sunday, December 22. The game showcased the prowess of Smriti Mandhana with the bat and Renuka Singh Thakur with the ball, leading India to a comprehensive win by 211 runs.

    Smriti Mandhana’s masterclass in setting up the score

    Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer for India, scoring a magnificent 91 off 102 balls. Her innings was characterized by elegance and aggression, as she struck 13 boundaries, showcasing her ability to find gaps and rotate the strike effectively.

    Mandhana’s innings played a pivotal role in setting a formidable target for the West Indies. She anchored the innings after the early dismissal of Pratika Rawal (40), her partnership with Harleen Deol (44) was particularly crucial, as they built a solid foundation for India’s innings. The duo added 70 runs for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings after an early loss. Mandhana reached her half-century in style, hitting boundaries with ease and maintaining a brisk scoring rate of 89.21.

    Mandhana’s dismissal came at a critical juncture when she was trapped lbw by Zaida James, but by then, she had already laid a strong platform for India to post an imposing total of 314 runs. The Indian innings saw contributions from other players as well, including quick-fire knocks from Harmanpreet Kaur (34 off 23) and Richa Ghosh (26 off 13), which propelled India past the 300-run mark.

    Also WATCH: Minnu Mani’s jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Hayley Matthews in the IND-W vs WI-W 2024 1st T20I

    Renuka Singh Thakur’s bowling brilliance

    On the bowling front, Renuka was nothing short of sensational. She dismantled the West Indies batting lineup with her exceptional bowling performance, claiming five wickets for just 29 runs in her allotted ten overs. Renuka’s spell was instrumental in putting pressure on the West Indies from the outset.

    She struck early by dismissing Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph without any runs on the board, leaving West Indies reeling at 0-2 within just two overs. Renuka continued her onslaught by taking crucial wickets of Deandra Dottin (8), Shemaine Campbelle (21), and Aaliyah Alleyne (13), effectively ensuring that no West Indies batter could settle in. Her ability to swing the ball and maintain tight lines made it exceedingly difficult for the West Indies batters to score freely. Renuka was adjudged as the Player of the Match for her fifer.

    India thrash West Indies in the series opener

    The match began with India opting to bat first after winning the toss. They posted an impressive total of 314/9 in their 50 overs, with significant contributions from Mandhana and other middle-order batters. In response, West Indies struggled throughout their innings against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.

    The West Indies were bowled out for just 103 runs in 26.2 overs, marking a stark contrast to India’s batting display. The fall of wickets was rapid as they lost their first four wickets for just 11 runs. Despite a brief resistance from Campbelle and Afy Fletcher towards the end of their innings, it was clear that they were well outplayed.

    India’s emphatic victory by 211 runs not only sets a positive tone for the series but also highlights their dominance in women’s cricket on home soil.

    Also READ: Richa Ghosh sets up a record with her blistering fifty against West Indies in the 3rd WT20I

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

    Source link

  • IN-W vs WI-W, 1st ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | India vs West Indies

    IN-W vs WI-W, 1st ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | India vs West Indies

    The first ODI of the West Indies Women’s tour of India 2024 is scheduled for Sunday, December 22, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.

    With the T20I series now concluded, the focus shifts to the fifty-over format. India emerged victorious in the T20I series with a 2-1 margin, thanks to a stellar performance by Smriti Mandhana. Mandhana, who amassed 193 runs across the three matches, was deservedly named Player of the Series. She will undoubtedly be a key player to watch as the action moves to the ODI format.

    West Indies women tour of India 2024, 1st ODI:

    • Date and Time: December 22: 8:00 am GMT / 1:30 pm local/ 1:30 pm IST
    • Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

    Kotambi Stadium Pitch Report

    The pitch at Kotambi Stadium sets the stage for an intriguing contest between bat and ball. The surface is anticipated to offer early movement and spin, creating ideal conditions for spinners to thrive in the initial stages. Batting is likely to be challenging early on, requiring skill and patience to navigate the tricky conditions.

    Teams winning the toss might prefer to bowl first, aiming to capitalize on the favourable early conditions. However, if the initial phase is handled adeptly, batting first could also lead to formidable totals.

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

    • Wicketkeepers: Shemaine Campbelle, Richa Ghosh
    • Batters: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Qiana Joseph, Jemimah Rodrigues
    • All-rounders: Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Deepti Sharma
    • Bowlers: Afy Fletcher, Renuka Thakur Singh

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

    Choice 1: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Hayley Matthews (vc)
    Choice 2: Smriti Mandhana (c), Deandra Dottin (vc)

    Also READ: Richa Ghosh sets up a record with her blistering fifty against West Indies in the 3rd WT20I

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

    Chinelle Henry, Titas Sadhu, Karishma Ramharack, Saima Thakor

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 22, 8:00 am GMT):

    IN-W vs WI-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (Screengrab: Dream11)

    Squads:

    India: Smriti Mandhana, Uma Chetry, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Saima Thakor, Titas Sadhu, Renuka Thakur Singh, Priya Mishra, Tanuja Kanwar, Minnu Mani, Tejal Hasabnis, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol

    West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Nerissa Crafton, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shabika Gajnabi, Zaida James, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Rashada Williams, Mandy Mangru, Ashmini Munisar, Shamilia Connell

    Also READ: IND-W vs WI-W [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh shine as India clinch historic T20I series win at home after 5 years

    This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

    Source link