India registered a comprehensive 155-run win over the West Indies in their third match of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup at the Seddon Park in Hamilton. It was an all-around performance from the Mithali Raj-led side as West Indies’ unbeaten run in the tournament came to an end. India rode on centuries from Smriti Mandhana (123) and Harmanpreet Kaur (109) to post a total of 317 for eight in 50 overs. The bowlers then did the job after a shaky start, which saw the West Indies collect 100 runs for the first wicket stand.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant 123, with Harmanpreet Kaur too contributing with the bar scoring 109. While the other batters didn’t have a great day at the office, the knocks from Mandhana and Harmanpreet ensured that India reached a total of 317 for the loss of eight wickets. 

In return, the West Indies women got bowled out for just 162. This was a total contrast to the start they got, with the openers putting up a 100-run partnership. Sneh Rana picked up three wickets while Meghna Singh picked up two and Pooja Vastrakar, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, and Jhulan Goswami picked up one each with two wickets coming off run-outs. 

With her wicket, Jhulan Goswami created history becoming the highest wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history. The 39-year-old was tied on 39 wickets with Australia’s Lynn Fullston, but with her wicket of Anisa Mohammed, Jhulan picked up her 40th wicket in the Women’s World Cup.

With this win, India finds itself in contention to make it to the semifinals.

Sneh Rana took three wickets while Meghna Singh bagged two wickets as West Indies could only add 62 runs, and were eventually bowled out for 162.

Deandra Dottin top-scored for the West Indies with a fine 62.

MITHALI RAJ LAUDS TEAM PERFORMANCE

Indian skipper Mithali Raj praised her teammates for coming together and stepping up in an important fixture. “The way they stepped up in a crunch game like this. It had a lot to do with the nerves, Everybody knew about the importance of this game. We needed to step up. Windies came into this game with two wins and we came in after a loss. You need to be a little flexible. Smriti and Kaur played sensibly,” she said. 

With India registering their second win of the tournament, here’s how the ICC Women’s World Cup points table looks:

ICC WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2022 POINTS TABLE:

1. India (P3 W2 L1: Points 4; NRR +1.33)
2. Australia (P2 W2 L0: Points 4; NRR +1.06)
3. New Zealand (P3 W2 L1: Points 4; NRR +0.79)
4. South Africa (P2 W2 L0: Points 4; NRR +0.38)
5. West Indies (P3 W2 L1: Points 4; NRR -0.96)
6. England (P2 W0 L2: Points 0; NRR -0.19)
7. Bangladesh (P2 W0 L2: Points 0; NRR -0.92)
8. Pakistan (P3 W0 L3; Points 0; NRR -1.27)

In the next match, New Zealand will take on Trans-Tasman rivals Australia at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday.

Both teams will look to reach the summit of the points table ahead of India, who will next take on struggling England on Wednesday, March 16.