New Delhi: Renuka Thakur and Deepti Sharma showcased exceptional bowling skills, leading India to a convincing five-wicket victory over West Indies in the third and final ODI of the series at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, on Friday. This triumph allowed India to achieve a clean sweep in the three-match ODI series.

Thakur (4/29) and Deepti (6/31) dominated the West Indies batting order, collectively claiming 10 wickets and severely undermining the tourists' performance. Thakur's impactful opening spell set the stage for India's success, as her precise line and length, combined with favourable swing conditions, proved overwhelming for the West Indies top order.

Thakur made an immediate impact by dismissing opener Qiana Joseph with the very first ball of the match, resulting in a golden duck. She then removed captain Hayley Matthews, who had scored a century in the previous match, also for a duck. Thakur continued her impressive performance by taking the wicket of the aggressive Deandra Dottin (5), further consolidating India's advantage.

"There was swing available, and I aimed to capitalize on the conditions," remarked Thakur, who was named Player of the Series. "After our performance in Australia, I returned to India with the intention of improving and taking wickets in my second spell. I worked extensively with Jhulan (Goswami), which significantly aided my performance."

While Thakur excelled with the new ball, Deepti took charge during the middle overs, confounding the batters with her flight and turn. The off-spinner achieved her third ODI five-wicket haul, recording her best ODI figures of six wickets for just 31 runs in 10 overs.

Despite facing early challenges, the West Indies displayed resilience through a 97-run partnership between all-rounder Chinelle Henry (61) and wicketkeeper-batter Shemaine Campbelle (46). Their determined effort helped the visitors surpass the 150-run mark, although no other batter managed to score in double figures aside from Aaliyah Alleyne (21).

The efforts of the West Indies were insufficient to revitalize their innings, as the Indian bowlers consistently made breakthroughs at regular intervals. The West Indies' aspirations for a consolation victory in the series were dashed when their innings concluded in the 39th over, totalling 162 runs.

In pursuit of a modest target of 163, India seemed to be in a strong position at the match's midpoint. However, the early dismissals of Smriti Mandhana (4) and Harleen Deol, who had scored a century in the previous match (1), offered a flicker of hope for the visiting team.

Pratika Rawal (18) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (32) were also dismissed within a mere 20 deliveries, placing India in a precarious situation. Nevertheless, Jemimah Rodrigues (29) and Deepti Sharma (39*) formed a vital 59-run partnership for the fifth wicket, helping to restore momentum.

Ultimately, Richa Ghosh delivered a decisive performance with an unbeaten 23 runs off 11 balls, ensuring India's victory.

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