Mumbai, India – West Indies Women had a superb victory over India Women in the first One-Day International of their tour, on Monday. Led by a four-wicket haul from off-spinner Anisa Mohammed and a half-century from opening batter Stafanie Taylor, the Windies won by nine wickets to take a the lead in the five-match series.
The hosts batted first and were bowled out for 161 off 49.3 overs. West Indies replied with 162-1 off 36.5 overs at the Bandra Kurla Complex. The 22-year-old Mohammed took 4-27 from eight overs. This was her second four-wicket haul at international level. Her career-best figures are 4-26. She was well supported by Taylor who got 2-20 from eight overs with her off-breaks.
In the second half of the match Taylor made an excellent 85 not out. She added a record unbroken second-wicket stand of 137 with left-hander Shanel Daley, who made a career-best 44 not out in her first knock at No.3. The 19-year-old Taylor faced 122 balls and struck 10 boundaries. Daley was patient and hit four boundaries off 86 balls.
Coach Sherwin Campbell was pleased with the team’s performance. Speaking after the match he said: “It was an excellent performance from the girls today. It was a very good start to the tour. The pitch was very good for batting and we did a lot of things right today. Anisa and Stafanie have delivered for us before, and again today, they showed that they are world-class players.
“Anisa bowled really well, and from the start of her spell she was looking confident and posed problems for the Indians. Stafanie used the opportunity to build an innings and get some early runs. In the first part of the innings she was slow, but she understands batting, and she just grew in confidence after that. It was another excellent batting display.”
Campbell added: “Daley moved up to the No.3 position and she did an excellent job for the team. It was something new for her but she made the adjustment and showed great determination. The bowlers were on song from the first ball and that gave us control of the game from the start. The girls were outstanding in the field and everything that we have been working on fell into place.”
The two teams will travel to Baroda on Tuesday where they will play the second ODI on Wednesday.