India Women opened their T20I series with a commanding win over West Indies. They secured a 49-run victory at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday in first T20I. Thanks to stellar performances by Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, and Titas Sadhu, India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
India’s Strong Batting Start
West Indies opted to bowl after winning the toss. India’s openers, Smriti Mandhana and Uma Chetry, quickly built a strong foundation. Mandhana played aggressively, scoring 54 runs off 33 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Chetry supported with a steady 24 runs off 26 balls, including four boundaries.
However, West Indies got their first breakthrough when Karishma Ramharack dismissed Chetry in the seventh over. From there, Jemimah Rodrigues took charge. She smashed 73 runs off just 35 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Moreover, Rodrigues maintained a blazing strike rate of 208.57.
Her 81-run partnership with Mandhana propelled India to a big total. In the final overs, Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with 13 not out, while Sajeevan Sajana added one not out. Consequently, India finished with an impressive 195/4.
On the bowling front, Karishma Ramharack shone for West Indies, taking 2/18. Additionally, Deandra Dottin picked up one wicket in her spell.
West Indies’ Struggles in the Chase
Chasing a daunting target of 196, West Indies initially showed promise. Deandra Dottin led the charge with a fiery 52 off 28 balls, smashing four fours and three sixes. Similarly, Qiana Joseph contributed a quick 49 from 33 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
Despite these efforts, the rest of the batting lineup struggled. For instance, Shemaine Campbelle scored 13 runs, while Shabika Gajnabi added 15. Even though Gajnabi and Mandy Mangru remained not out, West Indies fell short, finishing at 146/7.
India’s Bowlers Dominate
India’s bowlers, on the other hand, delivered an outstanding performance. Titas Sadhu led the attack with three wickets for 37 runs. Furthermore, Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav supported with two wickets each. Their disciplined spells ensured that West Indies couldn’t build momentum.
Brief Scores
India: 195/4 (Jemimah Rodrigues 73, Smriti Mandhana 54; Karishma Ramharack 2/18)
West Indies: 146/7 (Deandra Dottin 52, Qiana Joseph 49; Titas Sadhu 3/37)
Player of the Match
Unsurprisingly, Jemimah Rodrigues received the ‘Player of the Match’ award for her explosive knock of 73 runs.
Looking ahead, India will face West Indies in the second T20I on Tuesday at the DY Patil Stadium.
