Punia’s 75 in vain, India lose to Windies by 1 run

North Sound, November 2

Opener Priya Punia's well-compiled half-century went in vain as the Indian women's team suffered a narrow one-run defeat against West Indies in the first ICC Women's Championship ODI.

As India chased 226 to win, Punia smashed six boundaries in her 107-ball innings, while Jemimah Rodrigues scored a 67-ball 41 at the top but. However, the two didn't get enough support from the lower-order as India were dismissed for 224 in 50 overs.

Captain's knock

Earlier, Stefanie Taylor opted to bat first and produced a captain's knock, scoring a 91-ball 94 studded with eight boundaries and two sixes. Opener Natasha McLean made 51 off 82 balls as West Indies posted a competitive 225/7 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. 

Defending the total, off-spinner Anisa Mohammed came up with a superb bowling performance, claiming five wickets for 46 runs. India could not score the required eight runs in the last over, with Anisa removing Ekta Bisht (0) and Poonam Yadav (0) off the first and final deliveries, respectively, to hand West Indies a thrilling win.

Brief Scores: West Indies: 225/7 in 50 overs (S Taylor 94; S Pandey 2/38); India: 224 all out in 50 overs (P Punia 75; A Mohammed 5/46). — PTI