The Indian women’s cricket team registered a comprehensive six-wicket win in the first One-Day International against West Indies Women in Vijayawada on Thursday. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the visitors struggled against the left-arm spin attack of Rajeshwari Gayakwad (4/21) and Ekta Bisht (3/14).
West Indies were bundled out for 131 and after struggling initially, India got home by six wickets and 65 balls to spare, steered admirably in the chase by skipper Mithali Raj (42 not out) and Veda Krishnamurthy (52 not out).
West Indies were coasting along at 42/1 and it was Bisht who triggered a collapse, picking up three wickets in quick succession. Barring Merissa Aguilleira (42 not out), the West Indians did not have a contribution of note. Gayakwad was instrumental for dismissing the West Indies’ lower order cheaply.
India had slumped to 36/4 in the chase but the experience of Raj proved to be the difference between the two sides. Krishnamurthy was solid and got to an unbeaten half-century. The second ODI will be played on November 13 at the same venue.
Brief scores:
West Indies Women 131 in 42.4 Overs (Merissa Aguilleira 42 not out; Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4/21, Ekta Bisht 3/14) lost to India Women 133/4 in 39.1 Overs (Veda Krishnamurthy 52 not out, Mithali Raj 46 not out; Shakera Selman 2/11) by six wickets
