In a thrilling encounter at Navi Mumbai, Smriti Mandhana put on a sensational display, guiding India Women to a comprehensive 60-run victory over West Indies Women in the third and final T20I. The win not only secured the series 2-1 for India but also saw Mandhana etch her name in the history books with a record-breaking performance against the Caribbean side.
Mandhana’s Explosive Batting Stuns West Indies
India Women, batting first after losing the toss, were off to a shaky start, losing Uma Chetry early in the first over. However, with the ever-consistent Mandhana leading the charge in the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India quickly recovered. Mandhana’s remarkable aggression, especially against West Indies’ top bowlers Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry, set the tone for the innings.
In the third over, Mandhana unleashed a flurry of boundaries, taking Henry to task with three consecutive fours. Her onslaught continued into the fourth over when she belted Dottin for four consecutive boundaries, including a six. The 28-year-old left-hander reached her fifty in just 27 balls, showcasing her blistering form.
Record-Breaking Performance by Mandhana
With her rapid-fire half-century, Mandhana surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates to claim the record for the most fifty-plus scores in women’s T20Is. Mandhana now holds an impressive 30 fifty-plus scores, a remarkable feat that underscores her consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Additionally, her run-scoring feats in 2024 further cemented her legacy, surpassing Sri Lankan legend Chamari Athapaththu for the most runs in a calendar year in women’s T20Is, amassing a total of 763 runs.
Mandhana’s knock of 77 came off just 38 balls, including 11 boundaries, before she was dismissed. Her destructive batting laid the foundation for India’s total of 217/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
Contributions from Other Key Players
While Mandhana was the star of the show, the Indian innings was a collective effort. Jemimah Rodrigues provided solid support with a valuable 39, while Richa Ghosh’s blistering 54 from just 21 balls further propelled India to an imposing total. Ragvi Bisht also chipped in with a quickfire 31*, making sure India reached a challenging total that proved too much for the West Indies to chase.
Radha Yadav Shines with the Ball
While the Indian batswomen set the stage, it was Radha Yadav’s brilliant bowling that ensured a West Indies collapse in their chase. Yadav took 4 wickets for 29 runs in her 4 overs, spearheading the Indian bowling attack. Her sharp left-arm spin proved too much for the West Indian batters, and the visitors were restricted to just 157/9 in their 20 overs.
India’s Dominant Series Win
The win in the third T20I saw India Women seal the series 2-1, after a narrow 49-run victory in the first match and a comeback by the West Indies in the second, where they won by 9 wickets. With this series win, India sent a strong message to the world as they continue their preparations for upcoming global events.
Conclusion
Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking performance in the third T20I was the highlight of an exceptional series win for India Women. Her blistering innings not only took India to a commanding total but also set new milestones in the world of women’s T20I cricket. With contributions from the entire team, including key performances from Rodrigues, Ghosh, and Yadav, India’s triumph over the West Indies showcases their all-around strength as they look ahead to the future of women’s cricket.
This victory is a testament to India’s growing dominance in women’s cricket, with the team now firmly in the spotlight as one of the leading sides in the world.
