After a tough 3-0 loss in the ODI series against Australia, India Women return to the T20 format, eager to bounce back in a three-match series against the West Indies at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
For the hosts, it is a chance to close out a mixed year on a high note, while also laying the groundwork for the next ICC T20 World Cup. For the visitors, a team brimming with confidence after a strong World Cup showing and improved performances in 2024, it is an opportunity to break their eight-match losing streak against India.
India: New Faces, Familiar Dependence
India’s T20 struggles this year have been masked by decent overall results — 13 wins from 20 matches — but their shortcomings in crunch moments have cost them dearly, including a group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup. A lot will once again depend on the experienced duo of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, having shunned Shafali Verma, the second highest scorer for India in T20Is this year.
Mandhana’s recent form, capped by a century in the ODI series, makes her India’s key player, while Harmanpreet has to rise to the occasion both as a captain and a batter as the team looks to reset. The likes of Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh will need to step up in the middle order, alongside all-rounder Deepti Sharma, whose consistency remains a key asset. Among the new faces, Uttarakhand’s Nandini Kashyap and Raghvi Bist bring promising domestic records, while seamer Saima Thakor could earn her cap after an impressive WPL season.
Nandini Kashyap
Wicketkeeper-batter, bats as an opener.
Overall – 12 T20s, 579 runs, SR 131.89, Avg 57.90, 4 Fifties and 1 Century.
She was the 3rd highest run-scorer in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2024 (247 runs in 7 inns for Uttarakhand).
Highest run-scorer in the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy 2024 (332 runs in 5 inns for India E).
60 (45) vs India A, 48* (50) vs India D, 94 (65) vs India C, 74 (42) vs India B, 56 (40) vs India A.
She scored 95 off 122 vs Hyderabad in the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy.
Raghvi Bist
Opening Partner of Nandini in India E.
Overall – 26 T20 inns, 539 runs, Avg 26.95, SR 113.47, 3 Fifties, no Century.
She was the 5th highest-run scorer for India E, scoring 162 runs in five innings.
With the ball, 12 inns, 8 wickets, Econ 5.47.
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West Indies: Dottin’s Power and Matthews’ Leadership
West Indies Women enter this series with confidence, buoyed by an impressive World Cup campaign where they reached the semifinals. West Indies will also carry the confidence of doing well in Asian conditions this year. They have defeated Pakistan in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Deandra Dottin’s return to international cricket has been a game-changer for them. Her ability to dominate with the bat and contribute with the ball was showcased during the T20 World Cup and her successful WBBL stint. Skipper Hayley Matthews, both an explosive opener and a reliable all-rounder, remains the backbone of this West Indian side.
Without Stafanie Taylor, their experience will be tested, but players like Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle and Aaliyah Alleyne provide depth to their batting lineup, while Karishma Ramharack, Afy Fletcher and Chinelle Henry will spearhead the bowling attack. West Indies’ recent T20 form — six wins in their last eight games — will give them the belief that they can finally challenge India.
Head-to-Head in T20Is
India have dominated this rivalry, winning 13 of the 21 matches played between the two sides. West Indies, with only eight wins, have a point to prove, especially after losing their last eight games against India.
The Venue: DY Patil Stadium
The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has witnessed five women’s T20Is so far, with chasing sides holding a clear edge, winning four of those games. The average first-innings score at the venue stands at 155, but the pitch often eases out under lights, making it favourable for teams bowling first. Smriti Mandhana has enjoyed this ground, amassing 213 runs in five innings, while Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav have been the standout bowlers here.
For India, this series offers a much-needed opportunity to rebuild and improve. For West Indies, a win in the opener could set the tone for breaking their poor record against India and further cementing their progress.
With impact players like Harmanpreet, Mandhana, Matthews, and Dottin on either side, the opening clash promises fireworks and high stakes as two competitive teams aim to start strong in Navi Mumbai.
Also Read: “Ask the Right Person”: Harmanpreet Dodges Shafali Verma Omission Questions