Harleen Deol powers India to an unassailable series lead over West Indies

Harleen Deol smashed a 103-ball 115 as India eased past West Indies to a 115-run win in the second ODI in Vadodara.

Pratika Rawal also starred, scoring 76 and picking up two wickets, as India set the visitors a target of 359, and then bowled them out for 243.

West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews led from the front in their chase, smashing a valiant 106 off 109 to stabilise one end, but the Indian bowlers, led by Priya Mishra proved too strong for the visitors.

With the win, India have taken a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

After opting to bat, India's top-order delivered the goods, with Smriti Mandhana and Rawal getting them off to a flier, forging a 110-run opening wicket stand, before Mandhana fell on 53.

Rawal, playing in just her second ODI, carried on, smashing an 86-ball 76 before being sent back by Zaida James. But the knock had pushed India towards a commanding total.

Deol brought out her best thereafter, notching up 115 off just 103 deliveries, and smashing 16 fours along the way. The 26-year-old, alongside Jemimah Rodrigues, added an attacking 116 off 70 balls for the fourth wicket.

Rodrigues scored a swash-buckling 52 off 36, as India closed out their innings at 358/5 – their joint-highest score in women’s ODIs.

In their response, the West Indies lost a flurry of wickets at the top, with only skipper Matthews holding guard to register her seventh ODI century against the Indian bowlers.

Shemaine Campbelle (38), Zaida James (25) and Afy Fletcher (22) showed resistance later on but India, led by Mishra’s three-wicket haul, overcame the visitors by 115 runs.

Pratika Rawal (2/37), Deepti Sharma (2/40) and Titas Sadhu (2/42) grabbed two wickets apiece to bundle out the visitors for 243 in 46.2 overs.

With Australia clinching the ICC Women’s Championship after their series win over New Zealand, India will aim to pip England for the second spot, with four games remaining.