The Indian women’s cricket team came up with a dominant all-round display to defeat West Indies in the third T20I by 60 runs. After setting a record total of 217/4, thanks to incredible knocks from Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh, India sealed the three-match series.
The Indian women’s team showcased their prowess as they posted 217/4, their highest-ever in T20Is. At the forefront were Smriti and Richa who hit scintillating half-centuries, leaving the Windies facing an uphill task.
West Indies won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first. India got off to a shaky start as Uma Chetry went back to the pavilion for a golden duck in the first over. Walked in an unfazed Smriti, and she quickly found her rhythm and unleashed a flurry of boundaries. She struck seven consecutive boundaries, including a six, to take India to 61/1 at the end of Powerplay.
The skipper continued to dominate, as she brought up her third consecutive fifty in T20Is off just 27 balls. She also formed a crucial 98-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues (39), steering India to 99/1 after 10 overs. Although Smriti returned to the dug-out in the 15th over, Richa continued the onslaught.
She scored a fiery 18-ball fifty, the joint-fastest in WT20Is. The half-century was a boundary laden spectacle that had five sixes. Her 21-ball 54 propelled India to a massive total of 217/4.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to make inroads, with only Chinelle Henry managing respectable figures of 1/14 in two overs.
After a record-breaking first innings, it was an uphill task for the Windies batters. The Indian bowlers exerted pressure from the outset, as Shikha Pandey struck early. The West Indies batting line-up failed to build momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Hayley Matthews 40 (36) was the lone warrior as she tried to anchor the innings but lacked support at the other end.
The match ended with Deepti Sharma as the standout bowler, scalping three wickets for 21 runs in four overs. Radha Yadav and Shikha claimed two wickets each. The West Indies could manage 157/9 in 20 overs.
The Indian team will take a lot of confidence out of this win as the Women in Blue put together a well-rounded effort on the heels of a disappointing series in Australia.