Indian eves secure six-wicket win over Windies in first ODI

Veda Krishnamurthy struck a blistering half-century as the Indian women cricket team clinched a comprehensive six-wicket win over West Indies in the first ODI of three-match series at the Gokaraju Liala Gangaaraju ACA Cricket Ground in Mulapadu, Vijayawada on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, West Indies batting line-up failed to counter India's bowling attack and were eventually bundled out for mere 131 runs.

Merissa Aguilleira was the highest scorer for the Caribbean side with 42 runs.

For India, Rajeshwari Gayakwad was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he finished with figures of four for 21 followed by Ekta Bisht's three for 14.

Shikha Pandey and Jhulan Goswami also chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply, India failed to make a promising start as they were reeling at 33-3 after losing both openers Deepti Sharma and Smriti Mandhana for 16 and seven runs respectively.

Skipper Mithali Raj (46) and Krishnamurthy (52) then joined forces to steady their side's innings as the duo shared a crucial 97-run stand for fifth wicket to help India chase down the target with 65 balls to spare.

With the win, India have now taken a 1-0 lead in the series. The two sides will play their second ODI on Sunday.