Deepti Sharma’s All-Round Excellence Secures ODI Series Sweep for India

India’s resounding 3-0 ODI series win over West Indies in Vadodara highlighted the immense talent of Deepti Sharma. With a scintillating six-wicket haul followed by an unbeaten 39 in a tense chase, Deepti was instrumental in leading India to a five-wicket victory in the final match of the series.

Dominance with the Ball: Deepti’s Career-Best Performance

West Indies, put to bat on a challenging surface, were bundled out for 162, thanks largely to Deepti’s career-best 6 for 31. The visitors never fully recovered from a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first five overs. Renuka Singh, leading the charge with a superb opening spell, dismissed Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews early, setting the tone for India’s dominance.

Deepti’s entry into the attack dismantled West Indies’ middle order. Her intelligent use of flight and spin trapped batters into errors. Shemaine Campbelle, who had anchored the innings with a solid 46, fell to a mistimed lofted shot, caught comfortably at long-on. Moments later, Zaida James’s attempt to drive Deepti’s turner resulted in a sharp slip catch by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Deepti’s precise bowling ensured India maintained control, and West Indies lost their last five wickets for just 21 runs.

A Brief Resurgence: Henry and Campbelle’s Resistance

The sole highlight for West Indies was the 91-run partnership between Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle for the fourth wicket. Coming in at a precarious 9 for 3, Henry showed grit despite a shaky start. A six off debutant Tanuja Kanwar marked her shift in momentum, and she built her innings with well-timed cuts and glides. Meanwhile, Campbelle attacked India’s spinners with confidence, driving and pulling with finesse.

However, their stand ended when Deepti’s guile induced Campbelle into a reckless shot. Henry soon followed, bowled by a straighter one from Deepti after scoring a valiant 61. With their departures, West Indies’ hopes of posting a competitive total evaporated.

India’s Chase: A Steady Hand Amid Early Wobbles

Chasing 163, India’s innings got off to a rocky start. The top-order batters struggled against the moving ball, with Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol falling cheaply. Pratika Rawal, promising in her first two ODIs, failed to capitalize, perishing to an ill-judged shot against Hayley Matthews.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, briefly steadied the innings with a display of exquisite cover drives. Her aggressive approach, including three boundaries off Deandra Dottin in one over, brought hope to the Indian camp. However, she was bowled by a skidding delivery from Afy Fletcher, leaving India at 66 for 4.