Photographs: ICC /Solaris Images
India rode on opener Thirush Kamini Murugesan's maiden century to thrash West Indies by 105 runs in their opening Group A match of the ICC Women's World Cup on Thursday.
Kamini scored 100 off 146 balls to become the first Indian eve to notch up a century in 50-over World Cup as the hosts piled up a commendable 284 for six after being sent into bat.
Defending the total, Nagarajan Niranjana (3/52), Jhulan Goswami (2/13) and left-arm spinner Gouher Sultana (2/38) starred with the ball to help India bundle out the Caribbean side for 179 runs with 5.3 overs to spare.Kamini smashes a ton
Image: Thirush Kamini MurugesanPhotographs: ICC /Solaris Images
Earlier, opener Thirush Kamini Murugesan became the first Indian woman to smash a century in the 50-over World Cup as hosts piled up a commendable 284 for six against West Indies.
Besides the highest individual score, which was held by Mithali Raj against Netherlands, it was also the highest team total posted by the side against the same opponents.
India surpassed their previous highest score of 275 against Netherlands in the 2000 World Cup in New Zealand.
Raut gave Kamini good company
Image: Thirush Kamini MurugesanPhotographs: ICC /Solaris Images
The southpaw batted with patience and put on a 175-runs stand with Poonam Raut, who scored 72.
Skipper Merissa Aguilleira's decision to bowl first backfired when the Indians made full use of the perfect batting conditions.
Kamini during her 146-ball essay struck 11 fours and a six.
Raut gave Kamini good company
Image: Poonam RautPhotographs: ICC /Solaris Images
Raut formed the perfect partner for Kamini as she struck 72 off 94 balls. Raut was the first wicket to fall as she was adjudged leg-before-wicket trying to sweep off Shanel Daley.
India tried to accelerate and made best use of the Powerplay as 45 runs came off those five overs. Kamini was joined by former Indian skipper Jhulan Goswami, who was promoted as a pinch hitter and Goswami made a quickfire 36 in 21 balls.
For the visitors, seamer Deandra Dottin picked up three wickets in her four overs while giving away 32 runs, and Daley picked up one.
West Indies off to a poor start
Image: Kycia Knight is run outPhotographs: ICC /Solaris Images
Chasing 285 for victory, the Windies chase never really got off as they lost wickets at regular intervals. West Indies lost opener Kycia Knight off the second ball.
Knight was on her way back after she was run out by a direct hit from Harmanpreet Kaur.
West Indies then other opener Stafanie Taylor in the first ball of the sixth over after she edged one to wicket-keeper Karuna Jain off Amita Sharma's bowling.
Niranjana shines with the ball
Image: Niranjana celebrates after picking up the wicketPhotographs: ICC /Solaris Images
Niranjana castled Shemaine Campbelle with an in swinger to reduce the West Indies to 38 for three.
Deandra Dottin tried her best with some counter attacking cricket and was particularly severe on Niranjana smashing her for two sixes and four.
But the bowler had the last laugh trapping Dottin plumb in front of the wicket.
Kyshona Knight was then bowled by Sultana in the next over as West Indies lost half of the side back with just 84 runs on the board.
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