India Women Defeat West Indies to Clinch First Home T20I Series in 5 Years
India’s women’s cricket team, led by Smriti Mandhana, won their first home T20I series in five years. They beat the West Indies Women 2-1 in a thrilling three-match series. The hosts ended the series decider in style. They won by 60 runs at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.
This milestone is India’s fourth home T20I series win against the West Indies. It is their 15th win in 24 WT20Is against the Caribbean side. Their last home series win in this format was in October 2019. They defeated South Africa Women then.
A Long-Awaited Triumph
The series win is important for India Women. They have struggled in recent months. After three home series losses to England, Australia, and South Africa, the pressure was on the Mandhana-led side to win.
In the second T20I, India lost by nine wickets. The third match was now a must-win. At the post-match press conference, Mandhana said a pep talk before the decider helped refocus the team’s goals.
“It’s been five years since we haven’t won a T20I series in India. That was the chat earlier in the day. We had the chance to do it after 5 years. Need to keep doing the right things now. With the kind of batting line-up, we have some new youngsters. So need to take responsibility. More than timing the ball, I try to put my head into playing according to the situation.”
Mandhana was instrumental in the series victory, scoring 64, 63, and 77 in the three matches. Her batting and sharp tactics led India to a much-needed series win.
Richa Ghosh Lights Up the Decider
The third WT20I saw a record-breaking performance from Richa Ghosh. The youngster smashed a blistering 18-ball fifty. It tied the record for the fastest WT20I half-century. Her 54 off 21 balls, with three fours and five sixes, helped India post a WT20I record 217-4.
Mandhana lauded Ghosh’s innings. She praised her intent and fearlessness in a high-pressure game.
” Liked the way Richa Ghosh batted. The way the girls stepped up today, they played with a lot of intent. I wouldn’t have been able to that playing my second or third match.”
India Women Dominate the Series Decider
India’s win in the series decider was due to a team effort. All departments excelled. Mandhana’s knock of 77 and Ghosh’s explosive fifty powered India to a mammoth total. The Indian bowlers held the West Indies batters in check. They won by 60 runs, despite the dew.
This win ended India’s five-year wait for a home series victory. It also boosted the team’s confidence after a tough year.
India Women’s Upcoming Assignment
After their T20I win, India Women will face West Indies Women in a three-match WODI series starting December 22 in Vadodara.
