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In the third and final T20I of the West Indies Women’s tour of India 2024, which was a decider as well, India emerged victorious by 60 runs, sealing the series 2-1. The match, held at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, was a high-octane affair with both teams showcasing excellent performances. India, led by Smriti Mandhana, clinched the series with their first T20I series win at home in five years; the last one came against South Africa in September 2019.
India’s record-breaking batting display
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the West Indies were tasked to defend a challenging target set by India. India posted 217/4 on the scoreboard in their allotted 20 overs – their highest T20I total. Mandhana led from the front with an exceptional 77 off 47 balls, including 13 fours and a six, to consolidate her status as the leading half-century scorer in T20Is. Her strong innings was well supported by Richa Ghosh, who played a blistering knock of 54 from just 21 balls, smashing 3 fours and 5 sixes, equaling the record for the fastest T20I fifty in women’s cricket, tying with Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine. The explosive batting display gave India a daunting target, and the West Indies bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught.
The Women in Maroon, despite their best efforts, were unable to break the Indian partnership early. Chinelle Henry, the right-arm medium-fast bowler, was the standout performer, picking up 1 wicket for 14 runs in 2 overs. Henry was the most economical bowler of the innings, with an economy rate of 7.00. Deandra Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne and Afy Fletcher also claimed a wicket each, but they were unable to prevent the Indian batters from building momentum. India’s total of 217/4 proved to be a mountain too high for the visitors to scale.
Also READ: Lauren Bell, Heather Knight propel England to commanding 286-run win over South Africa in the only Women’s Test
A special win for India after 5 years
In their pursuit of 218, the West Indies’ batting was anchored by Henry, who’s explosive 43 off 16 balls, including 3 fours and 4 sixes. Henry’s remarkable strike rate of 268.75 was the highlight of the West Indies innings. However, regular wickets fell at the other end, with Dottin contributing 25 runs from 17 balls. West Indies eventually finished on 157/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 60 runs.
India’s bowlers were relentless, with Radha Yadav putting in a match-winning performance, taking 4 wickets in her 4 overs. Renuka Thakur Singh, Sajeevan Sajana, Titas Sadhu and Deepti Sharma each contributed with a wicket, ensuring the West Indies never built a substantial partnership.
Richa Ghosh was named Player of the Match for her explosive half-century, which laid the foundation for India’s commanding total. Meanwhile, Smriti Mandhana was named Player of the Series for her stellar performance throughout the three-match leg, amassing 193 runs
Here is how fans on X reacted:
🚨 INDIAN WOMEN'S TEAM WON A HOME BILATERAL T20I SERIES AT HOME AFTER 5 LONG YEARS. 🚨
– Captain Smriti Mandhana won the Player of the series award & then she called Harmanpreet Kaur while receiving the Trophy. 👌 pic.twitter.com/R43VMfKQQJ
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2024
Congratulations #TeamIndia
Vice Captain too captain @mandhana_smriti Lead the team in front win the series at home after 5 year"s we'll deserved👍given her women of the series award too her captain @ImHarmanpreet 😍
Bond of both are adorable..👏#INDvsWI #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/0wtcqenBZO— Sunil-TVK❤️💛 (@vijaysunil012) December 19, 2024
🚨 Richa Ghosh hits fifty in just 18 balls.
What a hitting young lady.
💥 What a talent!Richa Ghosh is India Women's Cricket future 🔥#INDWvsWIW pic.twitter.com/UxKskvBt3t
— Parikshit Raj (@parikshitraj15) December 19, 2024
Indian camp is happy. #indwvswiw pic.twitter.com/Detxe8W3Yu
— Sport in a nutshell (@Shuvo10976159) December 19, 2024
MANDHANA CREATES HISTORY!
Most fifties in WT20Is
Smriti Mandhana – 29 in 141 innings
Suzie Bates – 28 in 168 innings
Beth Mooney – 23 in 100 innings
Stafanie Taylor – 22 in 122 innings
Sophie Devine – 21 in 139 innings#INDWvsWIW pic.twitter.com/caGxJTsuhm— Nick (@ni_ck_s7) December 17, 2024
RICHA GOSH 54(21) 4×3 6×5🔥
Fastest fifty in womens t20i
🔥🔥It's a honour that this Rockstar plays for us 🔥💪pic.twitter.com/fIgNY01QYw
— Vinay (@Koxassassin) December 19, 2024
I find this very sweet from Smriti 😍♥️#HarMandhana #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/dvAtglZeBx
— Headspace (@Headspace_xoxo) December 19, 2024
India won the bilateral series after 5 years.#INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/4JakyHASEr
— s.v.saravana sundar (@saravana_s_v) December 19, 2024
Fantabulous batting by @13richaghosh! What a wonderful and powerful innings, helping India achieve their highest-ever T20 score! Way to go, girls! 🔥💪🇮🇳 #RichaGhosh #INDvsWI #TeamIndia
— SUMIT SINGH (@SUMITSI39225592) December 19, 2024
For the first time at home since 2019, and with a commanding performance 💪
🇮🇳 2-1#INDvWI https://t.co/K7grhJ3HlN pic.twitter.com/nwqdz2vPD6
— Dipak_Official (@DipakOfficial25) December 20, 2024