IND-W vs WI-W [Twitter reactions]: Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh shine as India clinch historic T20I series win at home after 5 years

by

In the third and final T20I of the West Indies Women’s tour of India 2024, which was a decider as well, India emerged victorious by 60 runs, sealing the series 2-1. The match, held at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, was a high-octane affair with both teams showcasing excellent performances. India, led by Smriti Mandhana, clinched the series with their first T20I series win at home in five years; the last one came against South Africa in September 2019.

India’s record-breaking batting display

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the West Indies were tasked to defend a challenging target set by India. India posted 217/4 on the scoreboard in their allotted 20 overs – their highest T20I total. Mandhana led from the front with an exceptional 77 off 47 balls, including 13 fours and a six, to consolidate her status as the leading half-century scorer in T20Is. Her strong innings was well supported by Richa Ghosh, who played a blistering knock of 54 from just 21 balls, smashing 3 fours and 5 sixes, equaling the record for the fastest T20I fifty in women’s cricket, tying with Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine. The explosive batting display gave India a daunting target, and the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught.

The Women in Maroon, despite their best efforts, were unable to break the Indian partnership early. Chinelle Henry, the right-arm medium-fast bowler, was the standout performer, picking up 1 wicket for 14 runs in 2 overs. Henry was the most economical bowler of the innings, with an economy rate of 7.00. Deandra Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher also claimed a wicket each, but they were unable to prevent the Indian batters from building momentum. India’s total of 217/4 proved to be a mountain too high for the visitors to scale.

Also READ: Lauren Bell, Heather Knight propel England to commanding 286-run win over South Africa in the only Women’s Test

A special win for India after 5 years

In their pursuit of 218, the West Indies’ batting was anchored by Henry, who’s explosive 43 off 16 balls, including 3 fours and 4 sixes. Henry’s remarkable strike rate of 268.75 was the highlight of the West Indies innings. However, regular wickets fell at the other end, with Dottin contributing 25 runs from 17 balls. West Indies eventually finished on 157/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 60 runs.

India’s bowlers were relentless, with Radha Yadav putting in a match-winning performance, taking 4 wickets in her 4 overs. Renuka Thakur Singh, Sajeevan Sajana, Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma each contributed with a wicket, ensuring the West Indies never built a substantial partnership.

Richa Ghosh was named Player of the Match for her explosive half-century, which laid the foundation for India’s commanding total. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Series for her stellar performance throughout the three-match leg, amassing 193 runs

Here is how fans on X reacted:

Also READ: All you need to know about G. Kamalini: 16-year-old prodigy fetched a whopping price in WPL 2025 auction

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

Leave a Comment