India Targets Series Win Against West Indies Ahead of Women’s World Cup
India will target on to continue their dominant 211 run victory in the 1st match over the West Indies when they meet in the 2nd match on December 24, 2024. In the series opener, the Harmanpreet Kaur led team performed very well putting the side close to ticking almost every box and looking to sustain the same momentum. India’s comprehensive win came with a warning shot about falling into a state of complacency, however, knowing each match leading up to the ICC Women’s World Cup, due to be held in India next year, is important.
India have never won a Women’s World Cup and with the tournament being held at home, the team is desperate to end its title drought. The West Indies series is valuable in build up to the mega event and they are looking to get their performance up to scratch. India had a bit of a back to back in earlier this year when the Aussies put them in the net, making it a 0-3 whitewash though, but they’ve bounced back to win a 2-1 T20I series against the West Indies.
In India’s experimental phase, we have seen the likes of Titas Sadhu, Priya Mishra, Pratika Rawal join the list. Vice captain Smriti Mandhana struck a run a ball 38, but it was rawal who impressed with a 40 run knock off 69 balls, forming a solid opening partnership along with her. With Kaur ruled out due to a knee niggle, Mandhana, India’s captain for first ODI, was in prime form as she scored a bright 91 runs off 102 balls.
Kaur, who has recovered from her knee problem fully, proved to be outstanding and her leadership is leading to her being a force for India. Renuka Singh was another consistent not out performer in the first ODI, taking a five wicket haul and will be raring to go once more in the ball.
But the West Indies will have to lift their game very significantly. If the team is to challenge India, the senior players in the camp such as Hayley Matthews, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle and Afy Fletcher will have to step up. The West Indies will, however, need their experience to help them get into their stride and challenge the West Indies.
India will be keen to close the series out and get some time under their collective belt ahead of the World Cup, while both teams will be keen to post a strong showing.
