Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai – In a thrilling second T20I, West Indies Women stormed back into the series with a commanding 9-wicket win over India Women. Chasing a competitive target of 160, the Windies completed the task in just 15.4 overs, leveling the 3-match series 1-1. The star of the show was skipper Hayley Matthews, whose unbeaten 85 off 47 balls sealed the deal for the hosts.
India Sets a Target of 160
Winning the toss, India Women elected to bat first. Captain Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with a well-crafted 62 off 40 balls, while Richa Ghosh chipped in with a brisk 32. However, other batters struggled to capitalize, with the middle and lower order failing to add significant runs.
The West Indies bowlers showcased a disciplined effort, with four of their bowlers—Hayley Matthews, Kiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack, and Shakera Selman—claiming two wickets each. India ended their innings at 159/9 in 20 overs, leaving the Windies with a challenging but achievable target.
Matthews Leads the Charge
The chase began with an explosive opening partnership between Hayley Matthews and Kiana Joseph. The duo smashed Indian bowlers all around the park, adding 66 runs for the first wicket in just 6.2 overs. Kiana Joseph was dismissed for a quick-fire 38 off 22 balls, an innings studded with 2 sixes and 6 fours.
Matthews then found an able partner in Shamen Campbell, and together they constructed an unbeaten 94-run stand for the second wicket. Matthews’ innings was a masterclass, featuring 17 boundaries in her 85 not out off 47 balls, showcasing her dominance over India’s bowlers. Campbell supported her captain beautifully, contributing an unbeaten 29 off 26 balls.
West Indies reached the target with 26 balls to spare, finishing at 160/1 in 15.4 overs.
India’s Bowling Woes
India’s bowlers struggled to find rhythm, with only Saima Thakor managing to pick up a wicket. The lack of breakthroughs and inconsistent lines allowed the Windies batters to dominate throughout the chase.
Scorecard Summary:
- India Women (1st Innings): 159/9 in 20 overs
- Smriti Mandhana: 62 (40), Richa Ghosh: 32 (28)
- Hayley Matthews: 2/26, Kiana Joseph: 2/22
- West Indies Women (2nd Innings): 160/1 in 15.4 overs
- Hayley Matthews: 85* (47), Kiana Joseph: 38 (22)
- Saima Thakor: 1/28
Result: West Indies Women won by 9 wickets.
Player of the Match: Hayley Matthews
Series Situation:
With this emphatic win, the 3-match series now stands tied at 1-1, setting up a high-stakes decider in the final T20I.
