India look the business at WWC

India cruised to a 105 run victory over a West Indian side that looked all at sea in the first game of the 2013 Women's World Cup. India's huge total of 284 was based around a fine opening partnership of 175 between Poonam Raut (72) and Thirush Kamini, who hit her maiden century.

Initially they took it easy, going at just four an over. The Raut Ramp proving one of the few effective boundary shots. The 100 was brought up in exactly 25 overs and when Raut was out lbw to Daley there were just 13 overs of the innings to go. But the Indians had it all under control. Long-limbed fast bowler Jhulan Goswami was sent in to swing the bat and she did it very effectively, hitting 36 off 21 balls. When she fell to a catch off the toe-end of the bat, her good work was carried on by Harmanpreet Kaur, who hit 36 off 22 balls. The West Indies tried eight different bowlers, who between them bowled 21 wides. It was a ragged display by the West Indies with ball in hand and in the field.

Unfortunately it got no better when they started to bat. Kycia Knight ran herself out in the very first over attempting a suicidal run to mid-off. Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle were both reprieved early on by poor umpiring decisions, but neither could make the most of their luck. Taylor (9) edged behind and Campbelle was bowled behind her legs by Niranjana (21).

The game seemed to be drifting to an inevitable conclusion, but Deandra Dottin had other ideas She smashed 39 off just 16 balls. Niranjana's huge celebration when she had Dottin out lbw playing across a straight one, showed how concerned the Indians had become during her all too brief 21 minute stay at the crease. Where she led Shanel Daley tried to follow. She adopted a no-nonsense approach, hitting hard into the 'V' between mid-on and mid-off, no matter what length the delivery. But when she was the seventh wicket to fall with the score on 148 the Windies capitulated to a confidence-knocking defeat. For the hosts it was the seamers who really tied up the West Indian batsmen. Goswami was accuracy personified; Anita Sharma got the ball to wobble nicely and Nagarajan Niranjana helped herself to three wickets, and some over-excited celebrations.

Windies will need to pick themselves up before they meet Sri Lanka in a potential do-or-die game on Sunday. India on the other hand will be raring to go against England also on Sunday. England will certainly hope to get a similar start to the Indians against Sri Lanka tomorrow.

scorecard - http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-womens-world-cup-2013/engine/current/match/594891.html