India’s right-arm fast bowler Renuka Singh has made headlines after an outstanding performance in the first ODI against the West Indies on December 22 at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara. With her remarkable five-wicket haul, she played a key role in leading India to a significant victory by 211 runs.
Renuka finished with impressive figures of 5 wickets for 29 runs in her 10 overs, becoming just the fourth Indian woman to achieve this feat in ODI cricket. She joins the ranks of notable players like Purnima Choudhary, Mamatha Maben, and Jhulan Goswami.
In the match, Renuka wasted no time with the new ball, conceding only one run in her opening over. India quickly took the first wicket by running out Qiana Joseph with the very first ball. Renuka struck in her second over, snagging the wicket of Hayley Matthews, who went for a duck, caught by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh after edging the ball.
The 28-year-old bowler then dismissed Deandra Dottin, bowling her out for just 8 runs in her third over. Impressively backed by captain Harmanpreet Singh, Renuka continued to take wickets, including that of Aaliyah Alleyne, who managed to score 13 runs before being caught by Harmanpreet in a spectacular one-handed catch.
Renuka’s brilliant spell didn’t stop there; she also bowled out Shabika Gajnabi, leaving the West Indies struggling at 34 for 6 after just 13 overs. After taking a short break, she returned to claim her fifth wicket by catching Shemaine Campbelle (21) in the 21st over, solidifying her maiden five-wicket haul.
Renuka received excellent support from her teammates, including Priya Mishra, who took 2 wickets for 22 runs, Titas Sadhu, who claimed 1 for 24, and Deepti Sharma, who finished with 1 for 19. Together, they kept the West Indies batters under pressure throughout the innings.
Thanks to their efforts, India recorded their largest-ever ODI victory on home soil, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Earlier in the day, Smriti Mandhana impressed with an excellent innings of 91 runs off 102 balls, helping India to a formidable total of 314 for 9. Zaida James also had a notable performance for the West Indies, taking 5 wickets for 45 runs in 8 overs.
