20-Dec-2024, 12:38 PM
In a decisive third T20I match held on December 19, 2024, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the Indian women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies by 60 runs, clinching the series 2-1. This victory marks India’s first home T20 series win in five years, a significant achievement following their recent struggles in international competitions.
Batting first after losing the toss, India set an imposing target of 218 runs. Smriti Mandhana led the charge with an impressive 77 runs off 47 balls, showcasing her exceptional form throughout the series. She was well-supported by Richa Ghosh, who made headlines by scoring a blistering 54 runs off just 23 balls, equaling the joint-fastest fifty in women’s T20I history. India reached their highest-ever T20 cricket score of 217 for 4, thanks in large part to their combination.
In their feeble reply, the West Indies could only muster 157 runs at a cost of nine wickets. Radha Yadav was the standout bowler for India, claiming four wickets for 29 runs in her four overs, effectively dismantling the West Indies batting lineup. Chinelle Henry was the top scorer for the visitors with a valiant 43 runs, but her efforts were not enough to match India’s formidable total.
This match followed a rollercoaster series where India won the first T20I by 49 runs but lost the second match by nine wickets. The series had been tightly contested, with both teams displaying their strengths and weaknesses. Mandhana’s leadership in the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who was sidelined due to injury, proved crucial in guiding her team to victory.
The win not only secures the series for India but also serves as a morale booster as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The Indian women’s team will now shift focus to a three-match ODI series against the West Indies, which is part of the ICC Championship.
Overall, this match highlighted India’s resilience and depth in talent, particularly through standout performances from Mandhana and Ghosh, as well as Radha Yadav’s bowling prowess. The victory is a promising sign for Indian women’s cricket as they aim to build on this success and regain their standing on the international stage.
