The India Women’s cricket team started off their T20I series against West Indies with a great 49-run win at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium. The game was highlighted by Jemimah Rodrigues’ powerful fifty, Smriti Mandhana’s expert performance, and Titas Sadhu picking up three key wickets to give India a 1-0 lead in the three-game series.
India, batting first, reached a strong total of 195/4 thanks to the great pairing of Rodrigues and Mandhana. Smriti Mandhana, alongside the young Uma Chetry instead of Shafali Verma, set the mood early. Mandhana’s smooth 54 from 41 balls included lovely shots, with boundaries being hit all over. By the time the first six overs were up, the duo had scored a quick 50 runs. Unfortunately, Chetry couldn’t build upon a dropped chance and scored 24, which put Rodrigues into the spotlight. Then, Rodrigues put on a fantastic performance, getting 73 runs from just 35 balls. She swept and drove with exceptional intent, dominating the West Indies bowling attack.
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The partnership with Mandhana, which added 81 runs in just 50 balls, put India in a position to get a large score. Talking after the game, Rodrigues explained that a clear mind led to her success. “I wanted to keep a positive attitude and play my own game. Smriti’s performance boosted my confidence,” she stated.
Richa Ghosh gave a short blast of power before getting out for 15, but Rodrigues kept India in charge until the last over. She ultimately got run out, but she made a lasting impression on the game.
Going after 196 was surely tough for the West Indies, more so under the lights and difficult dew conditions. Titas Sadhu, freshly back from injury, put up a superb bowling show even under stress. She bowled three out of the seven batsmen, conceding only 37 runs, and used smart changes in speed and distance to outplay the other side. India’s fielding strengthened their bowling. Substitute fielder Minnu Mani marked her spot with two great catches. Her skillful dismissal of Hayley Matthews in the early innings set the stage, and she consistently made sharp plays in the misty evening air.
Smriti Mandhana, stepping up as the team captain for Harmanpreet Kaur, hailed the team’s field efforts. “Good catches win games, and I am happy with our performance under such stress,” she added. For the West Indies, the spotlight was on Deandra Dottin. The seasoned all-rounder showed her classic daring game, hitting a quick 52 off 28 balls, loaded with grand sixes and fiery fours.
Even with little backing from her colleagues, Dottin kept the team’s aspiration going with her sprightly batting. Despite that, Dottin’s exit in the 16th over became a key turning moment. Sadhu took her wicket right after she hit the half-century and with 70 runs yet to make in 31 balls, the West Indies’ run chase fell apart. Qiana Joseph’s 49 off 33 balls put up some fight, but it was a case of too little, and all too late.
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The game stood out due to seasoned players such as Mandhana and Rodrigues, along with rising stars like Sadhu and Mani, delivering mid-game. The West Indies, however, need a restructuring fast.
Skipper Hayley Matthews realized the importance of group effort. She commented, “Deandra gave us a chance to fight back, but we need our batting group to support her in the next game.” Looking forward, India plan to keep up the winning streak while the West Indies plan a quick rebound to keep their hopes on track. With two games remaining, cricket fans can expect ample action from what is expected to be a feisty competition. Given the T20I’s second round is planned for December 17, all eyes will be on Navi Mumbai where these two teams will meet again.
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