In a thrilling encounter on Thursday, India clinched the three-match women’s T20I series 2-1 with a comprehensive 60-run victory over the West Indies in Navi Mumbai. This also marked India’s first T20I series win at home since October 2019. The match saw Richa Ghosh smashing a record-equalling fastest fifty and Smriti Mandhana playing a classy knock to propel India to a commanding total of 217/4. The West Indies, in their chase, could only manage 157/9, with left-arm spinner Radha Yadav picking up four wickets to seal the win for India.
Ghosh’s Record-Equalling Blitz and Mandhana’s Masterclass
India’s innings was built on two scintillating knocks. Ghosh, who has been in red-hot form, played one of the most explosive innings in women’s T20I history. She reached her fifty off just 18 balls, equalling the world record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, a feat previously achieved by New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield. Ghosh’s innings included 3 fours and 5 sixes, and she ended with an extraordinary 54 runs off 21 balls, making a significant impact in the middle overs.
Mandhana, the team’s star opener, also played a crucial role in setting up India’s massive total. She continued her excellent form by scoring a stylish 77 runs off 47 balls, which included 13 fours and a six. This knock was her third consecutive fifty in the series and her eighth of the year, propelling her to become the highest run-scorer in women’s T20Is in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu.
Mandhana‘s innings was a mix of elegance and power. Her off-side drives and pull shots were a sight to behold, and she formed a key partnership with Rodrigues (39) as the two added 98 runs off 55 balls. Mandhana’s brisk 77, however, came to an end in the 15th over when she was dismissed by Deandra Dottin.
Contributions from Other Players
While Mandhana and Ghosh set the tone for India’s innings, there were valuable contributions from others as well. Rodrigues played a key role in stabilizing the innings after an early dismissal by scoring 39 runs off 28 balls. At No. 4, Raghvi Bisht impressed with a quickfire 31* off 22 balls, including a six off Karishma Ramharack. Bisht played a perfect supporting role to Ghosh and Mandhana, and her contributions were crucial in helping India post their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4.
West Indies’ Struggles in the Chase
Chasing a daunting target of 218, the West Indies batting crumbled under pressure. India’s bowlers, led by Radha Yadav, kept the pressure on the visitors. West Indies lost early wickets, with Qiana Joseph (11), Hayley Matthews (22), and Deandra Dottin (25) all falling cheaply. Chinelle Henry fought a lone battle with a swashbuckling 43 runs off 16 balls, including 4 sixes and 3 fours, but it was too little, too late.
Radha Yadav, who had earlier been instrumental in India’s victory, was the standout bowler of the day. She returned with figures of 4-0-29-4, playing a vital role in dismantling the West Indies’ chase. India’s bowlers were disciplined, and they deployed six bowlers in total, keeping the West Indies’ batters under control throughout their innings.
A Historic Win for India
India’s victory in the third T20I not only secured them the series 2-1 but also marked a historic milestone. This was their first T20I series win at home since October 2019, a significant achievement for the team. India’s dominant performance with both bat and ball showcased their depth and strength, especially with key contributions from Mandhana, Ghosh, and Radha.
As the two teams now head to Vadodara for a three-match ODI series, India’s performance in this T20I series will give them a major boost of confidence. The series also showcased the emergence of younger players like Ghosh and Bisht, who played crucial roles in India’s triumph.
India’s dominant display against the West Indies in the final T20I proved that they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s cricket, and their remarkable performances will have fans eagerly anticipating the ODI series that begins on December 22 at the new Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
Conclusion
Richa Ghosh’s record-equalling blitz and Smriti Mandhana’s elegant fifty were the highlights of India’s 60-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I. With their highest-ever T20I total and a clinical bowling performance, India secured the series 2-1 and marked a significant achievement by winning their first T20I series at home since 2019. The win not only strengthens India’s dominance in women’s cricket but also highlights the rise of emerging talents who are making a mark on the international stage.
