Deepti Sharma shines as India seal ODI series against WI

India completed a dominant series sweep over the West Indies on Friday by winning the women's third and final ODI by five wickets and securing a clean 3-0 series win.

Deepti Sharma was the standout performer, producing a career-best 6 for 31 with the ball and contributing 39 runs with the bat as India successfully chased down 162.

Renuka Thakur was equally impactful, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs. Her crucial breakthroughs removed both West Indies openers without scoring, followed by the dismissal of Deandra Dottin for a low score. Renuka's efforts set the tone for India bowlers as they reduced the opposition to 9 for 3 within the first five overs.

Despite a poor start, the West Indies middle order, led by a gritty 50 from Chinelle Henry, provided resistance. Henry and Shemaine Campbelle shared a 91-run partnership, but the India bowlers regrouped to take the final five wickets for just 21 runs, ending the West Indies innings in rapid succession.

India's chase of 162 was not without drama. Early wickets fell quickly, with Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol dismissed cheaply. However, Harmanpreet Kaur's aggressive 32 off 22 balls steadied the ship. The turning point came when Deepti and Jemimah Rodrigues added 56 runs for the fifth wicket, pushing India closer to the target.

Richa Ghosh played a crucial role in the chase, finishing with 23 not out off 11 balls. Her explosive innings, which included two sixes off Afy Fletcher, ensured India crossed the line comfortably in just 28.2 overs.

While Dottin was effective with the ball early on, the West Indies' inability to convert starts into significant partnerships left them with too much to do in the final stages. India's balanced bowling attack and strong middle order sealed the series sweep with ease.

India’s dominant performance in all departments highlighted their strength as they completed a comprehensive series win against the West Indies. (UNI)

Brief scores: West Indies 162 all out in 38.5 overs (Chinelle Henry 61, Shemaine Campbelle 46; Deepti Sharma 6-31, Renuka thakur 4-29) lost to India 167/5 in 28.2 overs (Deepti Sharma 39*, Harmanpreet Kaur 32, Richa Ghosh 23*) by 5 wickets.<>