IND-W Vs WI-W, 3rd T20I: The Indian women’s cricket team secured a convincing 60-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I, winning the three-match series 2-1 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. This triumph marks India’s first T20I series victory at home since October 2019.
Clinical Bowling Performance Secures the Win
Chasing a formidable target of 218, the West Indies could only manage 157/9 in their 20 overs. Radha Yadav emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four crucial wickets. She was well-supported by Deepti Sharma, Titas Sadhu, Sajeevan Sajana, and Renuka Thakur Singh, who each picked up one wicket.
The visitors struggled to build momentum after losing Qiana Joseph (11) early. Key players Hayley Matthews (22) and Deandra Dottin (25) failed to make significant contributions, leaving the team in trouble. Despite Chinelle Henry’s valiant effort of 43 runs off just 16 balls, which included four sixes and three fours, the result was already beyond doubt.
India’s bowlers showcased excellent discipline, using six bowlers to defend their total effectively. Radha Yadav’s performance stood out as she consistently troubled the Windies batters.
Record-Breaking Batting Display by India
Earlier, India’s innings was powered by a record-breaking performance from Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana. Richa Ghosh smashed an 18-ball fifty, equalling the world record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, previously held by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield. Ghosh’s quickfire 54 runs off 21 balls (3 fours and 5 sixes) played a key role in India achieving their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4.
Smriti Mandhana was equally impressive, scoring 77 runs off 47 balls with 13 fours and a six. Her innings marked her third consecutive fifty in the series and her eighth this year. Mandhana’s consistent performances have made her the leading run-scorer in T20Is in 2023, surpassing Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.
Mandhana’s explosive batting overshadowed India’s shaky start, where Uma Chetry fell for a duck. Jemimah Rodrigues recovered well after a slow start, contributing 39 runs off 28 balls. Together, Mandhana and Rodrigues built a solid 98-run partnership, setting the platform for a big total.
Also Read: India’s Dominant Win Over West Indies in Opening T20I: Rodrigues and Mandhana Shine
Promising Performances from Rising Stars
Youngster Raghvi Bisht also made a memorable impact, scoring an unbeaten 31 off 22 balls, including her first international six. Bisht played crucial roles in partnerships with Mandhana and Ghosh, adding 44 and 70 runs, respectively.
India’s decision to send Richa Ghosh ahead of Deepti Sharma proved decisive, as Ghosh’s explosive batting entertained a crowd of over 40,000 at the DY Patil Stadium. Her powerful shots, particularly on the leg side, electrified the atmosphere and ensured India posted a daunting target.
Looking Ahead to the ODI Series
With this victory, India now shifts focus to the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, scheduled to begin at the newly constructed Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara on December 22.