Mandhana and Ghosh Shine as India Women Secure T20I Series Victory Over West Indies
In an exhilarating showdown, India Women clinched the T20I series 2-1 against West Indies Women, with a thrilling 60-run victory in the 3rd T20I on December 19, 2024, at Navi Mumbai. The match was nothing short of a spectacle, with India posting their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4, a total that proved far beyond the reach of the West Indies' batting line-up.
Smriti Mandhana was the star of the show, continuing her exceptional form by smashing a brilliant 77 runs. This was her third consecutive half-century in the series, displaying an array of classical strokes combined with raw power. Mandhana’s brilliance with the bat was a defining factor, as she dominated the West Indies bowlers, especially in the powerplay. She raced to her half-century off just 27 balls, showcasing impeccable timing and placement. Despite an early loss of Uma Chetry, Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues formed a solid partnership, putting up a 98-run stand for the second wicket. Rodrigues, though not as aggressive as Mandhana, played a key role in building the innings with a quick-fire 39 before being dismissed.
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The latter part of India’s innings was lit up by Richa Ghosh, who played a blistering knock, finishing with 54 runs from just 21 balls. Ghosh’s aggressive hitting, which included three fours and five sixes, added an explosive finish to the innings, with India collecting 63 runs in the final 4 overs. Her 17-ball fifty was the joint-fastest in women's T20Is, matching the records of Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield. It was an innings that proved her prowess as one of the most dangerous finishers in white-ball cricket.
On the bowling front, India’s left-arm spinner Radha Yadav stole the show with a magnificent performance, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs. Yadav’s spell was crucial in breaking the backbone of the West Indies chase. After a strong start from the visitors, particularly from Chinelle Henry, who blasted 43 runs from 16 balls, the West Indies middle-order collapsed. They were eventually bowled out for 157/9, with no one else managing to step up after Henry’s departure. Despite a spirited start, the required rate became too steep, and the West Indies were left chasing shadows.
This win marked India’s first bilateral T20I series triumph at home since 2019, a significant achievement for the team. Mandhana’s leadership in the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur has been remarkable, and with a well-rounded team performance, India head into the next phase of the series with plenty of momentum. As for the West Indies, it was a case of what could have been, as they failed to capitalize on early breakthroughs and suffered a dramatic collapse under pressure.
India’s clinical performance in this series is a testament to their depth, talent, and determination, leaving the West Indies with much to reflect on ahead of their next challenge.
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