India Women's cricket team silenced their detractors with an emphatic 49-run victory against West Indies Women during the first T20I of their series, played on December 15, 2024, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This win not only marked a comeback for the Indian squad following their recent ODI series loss against Australia but also demonstrated the depth and resilience of their batting and bowling line-up.
Batting first after winning the toss, India set a formidable total of 195 runs for 4 wickets. The innings was spearheaded by the explosive Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a sensational 73 runs off just 35 deliveries, peppered with nine boundaries and two sixes. Her performance was complemented by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who laid down the initial groundwork with 54 runs off 33 balls. The duo's partnership was pivotal, propelling India past the 150-run mark and establishing an imposing target for the West Indies.
“We had 200 at the back of our mind but that's work in progress, and we are not far from hitting 200 regularly,” Rodrigues said post-match, reflecting on the team's aspirations as they move forward in the series.
The opening stand offered by Mandhana and her new partner Uma Chetry (24 runs off 26 balls) provided the perfect foundation. After Chetry’s dismissal, Rodrigues accelerated the scoring, consistently rotating the strike and hitting boundaries with great finesse. Contributions from Richa Ghosh (20 runs off 14 balls) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (13 not out) added to the total toward the end of the innings.
West Indies' bowling attack faced challenges throughout, with Karishma Ramharack being the standout with figures of 2 for 18, effectively claiming two key wickets. Deandra Dottin, returning to bowling duties, bagged one wicket but was costly, conceding 37 runs.
Faced with the mammoth target, West Indies sought to match India’s intensity but faltered early, losing their captain Hayley Matthews for just 1 run. Qiana Joseph and Deandra Dottin emerged as key actors for the Windies, with Joseph scoring 49 off 33 balls and Dottin blasting 52 runs off just 28 deliveries. Their efforts, albeit commendable, fell short as the Indian bowlers, especially Titas Sadhu, rallied during pivotal moments.
Titas Sadhu was particularly effective, capturing three wickets for 37 runs. “We gave a bit too many with the ball and weren't at our best in the field,” admitted West Indies' captain Matthews following the match. The Indian bowlers consistently applied pressure, stemming any momentum with regular breakthroughs which included the dismissals of key players like Dottin and Joseph at moments they started to threaten the contest.
The match swung decisively when Dottin, after scoring her fifty, became another victim to Sadhu’s bowling. The fall of her wicket effectively sealed the fate for the West Indies, who concluded their innings at just 146 runs.
Despite the defeat, Matthews remained optimistic, stating, “We will learn from this and have done well to adjust to the conditions here.” This sentiment echoes the West Indies team's resolve to improve as they navigate through the series.
India's fielding, often criticized, appeared sharper this time, with superb catches taken, including one spectacular effort by substitute fielder Minnu Mani, who took two catches—one being the prized scalp of Matthews.
Reflecting on the overall performance, Smriti Mandhana noted, “Jemimah Rodrigues was timing the ball well and she had the best seat to see her ball-striking.” The skipper’s leadership was evident both on and off the field as she stepped up to guide her teammates throughout the innings.
This match not only gives India Women the upper hand with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series but also sets the momentum for the upcoming encounters. The teams will regroup for the second T20I on December 17, 2024, with India aiming to consolidate their dominance and West Indies seeking redemption.
With this first T20I victory, India Women have established themselves as formidable opponents, blending experience, talent, and strategic thinking to dominate the game. Fans can expect more thrilling cricket as this series progresses.
