VADODARA, India, CMC – West Indies produced a weak batting display to slump to a 10-run defeat at the hands of India, as the hosts levelled their five-match series 1-1 yesterday.
The regional side’s bowlers were outstanding in ousting India for 134 off 41.2 overs but they could only muster 124 all out off 48 overs, after they won the toss at the Reliance Stadium.
West Indies seemed well en route to taking a surprise 2-0 lead in the series after Stafanie Taylor (2-16), Anisa Mohammed (2-20), Shemaine Campbelle (2-23) and Tremayne Smartt (2-31) all took two wickets apiece to undermine the Indian batting machine.
Harmanpreet Kaur top-scored with 26 from 59 balls while Diana David got 24 from 49 balls, but the hosts’ batting fell away badly under tight stuff from the Windies.
However, the Caribbean side were off to a poor start when they lost main run-scorer Stafanie Taylor in the third over of the innings, lbw to medium pacer Jhulan Goswami for four with the score on nine.
Shanel Daley was then run out for two at 21 in the seventh over and when Juliana Nero was lbw to seamer Rumelo Dhar for 16. West Indies were struggling on 29 for three in the eighth over.
Deandra Dottin (18) and Stacey-Ann King (14) added 29 for the third wicket to revive the innings but both fell in successive overs without a run added to leave the Windies on 58 for five in the 14th over.
More carnage followed as June Ogle-Thomas (2) and captain Merissa Aguilleira (0) were dismissed with just a further two runs added as West Indies lost four wickets for as many runs in the space of 38 balls.
Mohammed then came to her side’s rescue, top-scoring with 26 from 69 balls including four fours to almost get the Windies to their target. She posted 37 for the ninth wicket with Shakera Selman (17 not out) to get West Indies to within sight of victory.
When she departed at 117 for nine in the 45th over, however, the Windies’ hopes died with her.
Left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana was the leading bowler with three for 10.
The third match of the series will be played tomorrow.
