India's women's cricket team faced off against the West Indies women for the second T20I match on December 17, 2024, at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The series was highly competitive, and this match drew significant attention after India had taken the first game convincingly, winning by 49 runs.
The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, eagerly awaiting the clash between these two formidable teams. India's captain Smriti Mandhana led her team, albeit without Harmanpreet Kaur, who was sidelined due to injury, causing some concerns about India's strategy going forward. West Indies, under the leadership of Hayley Matthews, sought to level the series after their loss.
West Indies won the toss and opted to bowl first, perhaps drawn by the dew factor, which they hoped would assist them later during their batting phase. India began their innings tentatively, losing early wickets and struggling to get momentum. Uma Chetry, who opened with Mandhana, could not withstand the pressure from West Indies’ bowlers and fell early, managing just four runs off six balls. The pressure continued to mount when Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed for just 13 runs, leading India to 35 for 2 after the fifth over.
Smriti Mandhana showcased her resilience and skill, making the most of dropped catches by the West Indies. She scored 62 runs off 41 balls, stitching together partnerships, particularly with Deepti Sharma. Together, they added much-needed stability, but India faced setbacks still - including a miscommunication between Sharma and Richa Ghosh, which led to Sharma's run-out after scoring 17 runs.
Despite the mix-ups and misfortunes, Richa Ghosh’s explosive batting turned things around momentarily. She scored 32 runs off just 17 balls, hitting several boundaries and significantly contributing to India’s total. But as the Indian innings moved toward its conclusion, wickets fell at regular intervals. With several batters being dismissed cheaply, India ended their innings at 159 for 9.
While many considered this total sub-optimal, the Indian team knew they had to come out strongly with the ball and defend this score. West Indies, with their confident openers—Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews—were set to chase down the total. They began their innings aggressively, reaching 50 runs inside just over four overs. Joseph, who earlier scored 49 runs in the first T20I, found her rhythm early, scoring 38 runs off 22 balls before falling to Saima Thakor, who was the only bowler to take wickets for India during this match.
Hayley Matthews took charge after Joseph’s dismissal. She hammered the ball effortlessly, displaying strong technique and aggressive intent, reaching her half-century off just 31 balls. Supported ably by Shemaine Campbelle, who also contributed with 29 not out, Matthews led West Indies to a convincing victory, chasing down the target of 160 runs with over four overs to spare.
The West Indies’ bowling unit was commendable throughout India's innings, with Deandra Dottin being particularly impressive, taking two wickets and putting pressure on the Indians right from the start. Their collectively decent bowling effort helped keep India’s score within reach, setting them up perfectly for their chase.
The match ended with Matthews fittingly sealing the win with another boundary, finalizing the West Indies’ innings at 160 for 1, hence leveling the series at 1-1. Post-match, Matthews expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, "It was great to bounce back after the first game and put on such a performance as a team." Campbelle and Matthews' outstanding partnership at the crease lacked worry as the two showcased great chemistry and confidence.
This performance reinvigorated the West Indies women's team, instilling confidence as they look forward to the third and deciding T20I game. The camaraderie shown by Matthews and Campbelle not only propelled their team to success but also set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the series. Both teams now prepare for what could be another nail-biting encounter as they strive for supremacy, but this time, West Indies with the momentum on their side.
With the decisive match looming, the cricketing world eagerly anticipates how India will respond after this setback and whether the West Indies can maintain their form and clinch the series.
