Zaida Shines in Windies’ Loss

Saint Lucia and West Indies spinner Zaida James turned in a performance for the ages on Sunday, but the 20-year-old was unable to prevent a record loss to India in the opening One-Day International (ODI) at the Kotambi International Cricket Stadium. The left-arm bowler from Gros Islet broke at least three records as she took 5-45, but the regional side ended their 50 overs on 314-9, their second-highest total. The young Saint Lucian bettered Anisa Mohammad’s 2019 figures of 5-46, the best-ever figures by a West Indies bowler against India in this format. She also became only the fourth bowler to pick up a five-wicket haul against India at home.  James, who turned 20 less than two months ago, became the youngest player to take a five-wicket haul against India in Women’s ODIs, surpassing Australia’s Ellyse Perry, who was 21 years old when she accomplished that back in 2012. In the latter part of the match, James removed Jemimah Rodrigues, Saima Thakor, Renuka Singh, and Priya Mishra to break India’s momentum. She had previously captured Smriti Mandhana for 91 to break a 5-run second-wicket partnership. In 32 previous internationals for West Indies, 12 of them in the ODI format, James...