ICC WC: India's Smriti, Harmanpreet puts 317/8 target for WI

Hamilton/ New Zealand: In Seddon Park Stadium here, two women-in-blue blazed within the perimeter enclosing green, with well-earned hundreds in the match 10 of ICC Women's ODI Cricket World Cup against West Indies on Saturday. After a harsh initial slip for India, losing three wickets, opener Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur made an outstanding fourth-wicket partnership with their impressive tons- 123 runs off 119 balls, and 109 runs off 107 balls, respectively. India finished at 317 for 8 in 50 overs.

After winning the toss, Indian skipper Mithali Raj decided to bat first. Mithali has chosen to go in with the same team as the last match, leaving Shefali Verma on the bench. Indian women had met loss on their second league match against New Zealand (NZ) by a massive margin of 62 runs. From the power puffed performance against West Indies, it is evident that women-in-blue wish to compensate the margin lost against NZ.

However, West Indies had won their first matches, including one against NZ, which means a battle in Hamilton might not be a piece of cake for India.

In its opening match, India had defeated Pakistan.

Winning the toss, Mithali Raj said India must bat first since the pitch would slow down in the second half. They were looking to build a total worthy enough to defend, she had said, which seems true, though the question remains whether the total is sufficient against the Caribbeans. WI captain Stefanie Taylor also admitted that she would have chosen to bat. WI is positive after the past two wins, she said.