Twitter Reactions: India Women register thumping 115-run victory on the back of Harleen Deol's maiden international ton

Electing to bat first, India Women got off to a dazzling start once again at the Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara in the second ODI on Tuesday, December 24. The opening duo of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put on a consecutive 100-run stand as a solid platform was set for the others to build on. Rawal, playing her second ODI, was particularly impressive with the bat. 

Although Rawal was dismissed in what could be labelled as a soft dismissal, Harleen Deol did not miss out on capitalizing on her start. She carried on with what she does the best, rotating the strike. The poor deliveries were stroked away for boundaries. She finally brought up her maiden international ton after five-and-a-half years with a four between deep backward square-leg and fine leg. 

A brisk half-century by Jemimah Rodigues helped India's cause immensely. She went about her business while batting alongside Harleen. India ultimately ended up with their joint-largest total in Women's ODIs (358/5). Karishma Ramharack was the most economical bowler from West Indies Women, conceding only 46 in her quota.

West Indies' run-chase didn't quite start off the way they would have liked. Although skipper, Hayley Matthews, was going good, the fall of wickets around her did not help her side's cause. The Women in Maroon were nowhere in the game after the midway stage. Other than Matthews who brought up a 99-ball ton, there was no one who complemented her performance.

A couple of 20s from Zaida James and Afy Fletcher was never going to be enough. West Indies folded for 243 in the 47th over. An inspriring outing with the ball from 20-year-old leg-spinner, Priya Mishra, led the path to a comprehensive victory at the end.

Here's how X reacted to the second ODI between IND-W and WI-W: 

TAKE A BOW, HARLEEN DEOL...!!!

- 115 (103) with 16 fours, smashed her 1st international century and a quality one. 👌🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/wOGqJ7w6q6

— महेश झुरंगे (मोदी का परिवार ) (@zurange_mahesh) December 24, 2024

Harleen eventually managed 29 off the last 11 balls she faced, all this without one hoick or ultra aggressive shot. The very 1st time she tried one it led to her dismissal. Didn't even let the pressure of the nervous 90s get on her. Gifted for a reason, long may it continue

— Abhay (@ImAbhay3) December 24, 2024

MAIDEN CENTURY FOR HARLEEN DEOL
pic.twitter.com/ZIBYhAcwDA

— ℝℂ𝔹𝟙𝟠_🚩👑 (@Abhayti05059972) December 24, 2024

Long overdue from a batter with so much promise and skill, and here it is finally: A maiden international ton for Harleen Kaur Deol.

To get it after a long injury layoff makes it more special.

An on-song Harleen will be an asset to India at next year’s home ODI WC.

📸JioCinema pic.twitter.com/iZwzf2OQdf

— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) December 24, 2024

This Priya Mishra looks talented to my mug eyes.

A bit raw, a little more control and she will go far.
Nice talent🫡

— Enaam (@iamenaam) December 24, 2024