India’s commanding 60-run victory against West Indies in the third T20I at home was a showcase of stellar performances that sealed their first bilateral T20I series win since 2019. With over 47,000 fans in attendance, expectations for a gripping encounter were high, but a stunning collapse by West Indies’ middle order turned the contest into a one-sided affair. India, powered by exceptional contributions from Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and Radha Yadav, posted their highest-ever T20I total of 217 for 4, leaving West Indies unable to mount a successful chase.
Mandhana’s Masterclass in the Powerplay
Smriti Mandhana set the tone with a scintillating display of classical and power-hitting strokes. Despite losing Uma Chetry in the first over, Mandhana counterattacked brilliantly, unfurling a flurry of boundaries and racing to her third consecutive T20I half-century off just 27 balls. She meticulously dismantled the bowlers by manipulating lengths and finding gaps with precision. Her dominance in the powerplay saw India reach 61 for 1 and continue their onslaught to 99 for 1 at the 10-over mark, laying a strong foundation for a mammoth total.
Rodrigues Anchors, Bist Impresses
Jemimah Rodrigues played the perfect foil to Mandhana, contributing a busy 28-ball 39. Despite an early scare with an lbw appeal, Rodrigues exhibited her trademark sweeps and chips, particularly against the spinners. Her 98-run second-wicket partnership with Mandhana was instrumental in sustaining the momentum. After Rodrigues’ departure, Raghvi Bist, in only her second T20I, impressed with a composed 22-ball 31, rotating the strike effectively and allowing the big hitters to dominate.
Richa Ghosh’s Explosive Finish
The star of the latter half was Richa Ghosh, whose breathtaking ball-striking resulted in a 17-ball half-century, tying the record for the fastest T20I fifty alongside Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield. Ghosh’s innings, highlighted by five towering sixes and three boundaries, added an additional 63 runs in the final four overs. Her powerful shots peppered the field, leaving the West Indies bowlers helpless and setting an imposing target of 218.
West Indies Falter Despite Promising Start
Chasing a daunting target, West Indies showed glimpses of resistance. Chinelle Henry led a spirited counterattack, smashing 43 off 16 balls, including a brutal assault on Deepti Sharma. However, their hopes were dashed after Henry’s dismissal to Bist at short third. Deandra Dottin’s cameo of 25 offered brief optimism, but her departure left the team reeling at 69 for 3. The middle order succumbed to pressure, with Radha Yadav exploiting their vulnerabilities to claim four wickets for 29 runs.
India’s Clinical Finish
Radha Yadav’s incisive spell, coupled with disciplined efforts from the other bowlers, ensured West Indies never regained momentum. The visitors managed just 155 for 9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 60 runs. The win was a testament to India’s superior batting depth, strategic bowling, and sharp fielding, marking a triumphant end to the series.
In summary, India’s comprehensive victory was powered by Mandhana’s brilliance, Ghosh’s fireworks, and Radha’s bowling masterclass. It was a fitting end to a series that showcased India’s evolution as a T20I powerhouse.
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