Eleanor Thompson Mumbai, Bharat: In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Smriti Mandhana’s half-century and Radha Yadav’s sensational spell propelled India Women to a commanding 60-run victory over West Indies in the third and final T20I match of the series on Thursday at DY Patil Stadium. With this decisive win, the Women in Blue clinched the series 2-1 against the Caribbeans.
West Indies opted to bowl first after winning the toss, putting India to bat. Smriti Mandhana, leading from the front, scored a dazzling 77 runs off 47 balls, with 13 fours and a six, while Uma Chetry was dismissed for a duck in the first over. Jemimah Rodrigues then joined Mandhana at the crease, contributing 39 runs off 28 balls in a solid 98-run partnership.
Following their dismissals, Raghvi Bist and Richa Ghosh stepped up. Bist remained unbeaten with 31 runs off 22 balls, including two fours and a six, while Ghosh’s explosive knock of 54 runs off just 21 balls, featuring three fours and five sixes, propelled India to a formidable total of 217/4. Sajeevan Sajana also remained not out with 4 runs off a single ball.
The Caribbean bowling attack struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Afy Fletcher each taking a wicket.
Chasing a daunting target, West Indies faltered as Hayley Matthews (22 runs) and Qiana Joseph (11 runs) failed to provide a strong start. Despite valiant efforts from Henry, who scored 43 runs off 16 balls, and Dottin, with 25 runs off 17 balls, the visitors fell short, managing only 157/9 in their 20 overs. Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack remained unbeaten till the end.
Radha Yadav’s brilliant bowling spell, where she claimed four wickets for 29 runs in her four overs, was instrumental in sealing the win for India.
Richa Ghosh was named ‘Player of the Match,’ while Smriti Mandhana was honored as ‘Player of the Series.’
Brief Score:
- India Women: 217/4 (Smriti Mandhana 77, Richa Ghosh 54; Afy Fletcher 1/24)
- West Indies Women: 157/9 (Chinelle Henry 43, Deandra Dottin 25; Radha Yadav 4/29)
This victory not only highlighted the dominance of the Indian women’s cricket team but also set a strong precedent for future matches.
