RAJKOT, India, CMC – Prolific teenager Stafanie Taylor missed out on a century as Mithali Raj converted hers to condemn West Indies women to a 10-run loss to India in the fourth One-Day International here yesterday.
Raj, the world’s top-ranked batsman, stroked 109 from 106 balls to help fire India to 216 for four from their allotted 50 overs, after they were sent in at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Ground.
The 19-year-old Taylor then hammered a measured 83 from 129 balls but her efforts were not enough as the Windies folded for 206 with a ball remaining in the innings, as India tied the series 2-2 with one match remaining.
West Indies appeared on course for a series winning 3-1 lead when Taylor and Juliana Nero posted 127 for the first wicket.
Taylor cracked eight fours to continue her good form on tour while Nero’s 42 came from 83 balls and included four boundaries.
When Nero was run out in the 33rd over, however, West Indies failed to find another strong partnership as they lost wickets at regular intervals.
Stacey-Ann King (4) was lbw to medium pacer Rumeli Dhar in the 36th over and the Windies then suffered a huge blow when Taylor was unfortunately run out in the 39th over.
Deandra Dottin tried to revive the innings but she was caught at the wicket off leg-spinner Priyanka Roy (2-35) at 163 for four in the 43rd but Shemaine Campbelle took up the challenge with a cameo 12-ball 23.
She struck three fours and a six and seemed to carrying the Windies to an unlikely victory when she was last out to off-spinner Diana David (3-39).
Earlier, Raj counted 12 fours in her knock as she added 108 for the second wicket with opener Poonam Raut who struck 62, to lay the foundation for India’s winning score.
Taylor was the leading Windies bowler, taking two for 32 with her off-breaks.
The final game is scheduled for today at the same venue.
