Navi Mumbai, Dec 17 (UNI) India Women posted a competitive total of 159/9 in their 20 overs against the West Indies Women in the second T20I at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy here on Tuesday.
Despite a valiant knock from Smriti Mandhana, India’s middle-order struggled as regular wickets fell during the latter stages of their innings.
Mandhana, who had been the backbone of India’s innings, top-scored with 62 runs off 41 balls. Her innings included nine boundaries and a six, as she led the way for India after a shaky start.
Mandhana found herself dismissed in the 14th over when she was caught by Afy Fletcher off a delivery from Hayley Matthews, a key wicket that brought an end to her gritty knock.
Richa Ghosh also contributed significantly, scoring 32 runs from 17 balls before being dismissed by Deandra Dottin, caught behind by Shemaie Campbelle.
The pair added valuable runs, but the collapse in the final overs saw India struggle to reach a higher total. Saima Thakor (6) and Radha Yadav (7) also fell cheaply, with Saima being caught by Dottin off Chinelle Henry and Radha dismissed by a stunning catch from Dottin.
Despite a few boundary hits from the middle and lower order, India could not recover from the pressure applied by the West Indies bowlers. In the final overs, the West Indies’ bowlers were able to keep the Indian batting in check and bagging wickets regularly.
Dottin was one of the standout performers with the ball, claiming 2/14 in her 4 overs, while Chinelle picked up 2 wickets for 37 runs, including the crucial scalp of Saima. Afy Fletcher also proved effective, taking 2 for 28 runs in her 3 overs spell, while Hyley Matthews added to her tally with the wickets of Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues.
India’s total of 159/9 sets a challenging target for the West Indies Women, who will now need to produce a solid performance with the bat to claim victory. India will rely on their bowlers to restrict the West Indies’ chase and seal the win in this exciting contest.
