India Women began their three-match T20I series against West Indies on a high note, securing a commanding 49-run victory in the first game at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday. Powered by stellar performances from Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana, and Titas Sadhu, the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series.
After being sent in to bat by West Indies, India got off to a solid start with openers Smriti Mandhana and Uma Chetry putting together a 50-run partnership. Mandhana was the standout in the opening stand, smashing 54 runs off just 33 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. Chetry contributed 24 runs off 26 balls before being dismissed by Karishma Ramharack in the seventh over.
The highlight of the innings, however, was Jemimah Rodrigues’ sensational knock. She lit up the stadium with a blistering 73 off 35 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes at an impressive strike rate of 208.57. Rodrigues forged an 81-run partnership with Mandhana, propelling India to a formidable total of 195/4. Harmanpreet Kaur (13* off 11) and Sajeevan Sajana (1* off 1) remained unbeaten at the end of the innings.
For West Indies, Karishma Ramharack stood out with one wicket, while Deandra Dottin also picked up a wicket during her spell.
Chasing 196, West Indies relied heavily on Deandra Dottin and Qiana Joseph to keep their hopes alive. Dottin smashed 52 off 28 balls, hitting four boundaries and three sixes, while Joseph contributed 49 runs off 33 deliveries, including five fours and three sixes. Despite their valiant efforts, the rest of the Caribbean batting lineup crumbled under pressure.
Shemaine Campbelle (13 off 13) and Shabika Gajnabi (15 off 19) added some runs but failed to provide the momentum needed for a successful chase. West Indies fell short, finishing at 146/7 after their 20 overs, with Gajnabi and Mandy Mangru (2* off 3) left unbeaten.
India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Titas Sadhu leading the charge. Sadhu’s three-wicket haul proved instrumental in stifling the West Indies’ chase. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav also chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring India’s dominance in the match.
For her explosive innings of 73 runs, Jemimah Rodrigues was awarded the Player of the Match. Her performance not only set up India’s victory but also highlighted her importance in the team’s batting lineup.
The two teams will face off in the second T20I of the series on Tuesday at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with India looking to seal the series and West Indies aiming for a comeback.
Brief score:
- India 195/4 (Jemimah Rodrigues 73, Smriti Mandhana 54; Karishma Ramharack 2/18)
- West Indies 146/7 (Deandra Dottin 52, Qiana Joseph 49; Titas Sadhu 3/37).