Mithali Raj, Veda Krishnamurthy help Indian women overpower West Indies in 1st ODI

Mulapadu: Indian women’s cricket team powered to an easy six-wicket victory over West Indies in the opening ODI of the three-match series riding on good show from the spin twins Rajeswari Gayakwad and Ekta Bist. The left-arm spin duo snared seven out of the 10 wickets to skittle out West Indies for 131 in 42.4 overs as they recorded their career best figures. [caption id=“attachment_3099308” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File photo of Mithali Raj. Getty [/caption] Rajeswari was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/21 while Ekta Bist chipped in with 3/14 in 8 overs. In reply, India were struggling at 36 for four before Veda Krishnamurthy’s unbeaten 52 off 70 balls along with veteran batswoman Mithali Raj’s patient 46 off 91 balls enabled the home team to chase down the target in 39.1 overs. The duo added 97 runs for the 5th wicket. While Mithali hit six boundaries, Veda’s innings had four hits to the fence with two maximums. West Indies women need one win in this series to secure a direct entry to the 2017 Women’s World Cup. They will now have to wait till the second ODI on Sunday to qualify. Brief Scores: West Indies Wom 131 in 42.4 overs (Rajeswari Gayakwad 4/21, Ekta Bist 3/14) India Wom 133/4 (Veda Krishnamurthy 52 no, Mithali Raj 46). Indian Women won by 6 wickets.