The second Twenty20 International between India and West Indies showcased a dominant performance by the West Indies women, who secured a resounding nine-wicket victory to level the T20I series. Led by captain Hayley Matthews, who delivered an impressive undefeated innings of 85 runs, the West Indies chased down India's total of 159 with relative ease and ended their streak of nine consecutive T20I defeats against India.
Matthews's innings was decorated with 17 boundaries, and it proved crucial in overcoming a subpar fielding display from the West Indies, exemplified by Qiana Joseph's missed opportunities. Despite dropping India's stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana once among several times, the West Indies managed to regroup effectively, displaying strong batting prowess that rendered India's score inadequate in the face of a challenging run-chase.
The Indian batting lineup encountered difficulties, particularly in the top order, which lacked experience and struggled to build partnerships. The West Indies struck early when Deandra Dottin bowled Uma Chetry with an in-ducker, dismissing her for just 4 runs. Additionally, debutant Raghvi Bist was dismissed for a mere 5 runs, falling lbw to Afy Fletcher. In a troubling scenario for India, Jemimah Rodrigues’s wicket fell shortly after, leaving the team in a precarious position at 48 for 3 after only 9 overs.
While the West Indies gained the upper hand, the match turned in India's favor due to a series of missed catches that allowed Mandhana some breathing room. Notably, the West Indies fielders, particularly Chinelle Henry, dropped Mandhana three times between the 11th and 14th overs. Capitalizing on these chances, Mandhana reached her half-century in a brisk fashion off 37 deliveries, contributing significantly to India's total. During this phase, India added 36 runs in just two overs, highlighting their ability to accumulate runs despite the pressure.
However, the West Indies bowlers exhibited resilience, pulling back the run rate after a brief period of Indian dominance. West Indies removed both Deepti Sharma and S Sajana, stalling India's progress. Richa Ghosh, who had been aggressive with the bat, raced to 32 runs off only 16 balls, displaying her attacking style before being dismissed in a sensational catch by Shemaine Campbelle, who demonstrated remarkable agility behind the stumps while facing Dottin’s yorker.
As the match progressed, Matthews established herself firmly, reaching her half-century from just 31 deliveries. Her onslaught on the Indian bowlers continued, with a series of boundaries that quickly escalated the scoring rate. By the 13th over, West Indies had equaled the total number of boundaries hit by India throughout their innings, underscoring the one-sided nature of the run chase.
Joseph played a pivotal role in setting the stage for West Indies’ successful chase, punishing rookie bowler Titas Sadhu, who faced her wrath in a powerful display of striking. The partnership between Matthews and Joseph quickly developed, with the two openers establishing a solid foundation that was reflected in a solid half-century partnership within just five overs. Though India managed to claim Joseph’s wicket when Saima Thakor took advantage of a slower ball, Joseph had already contributed significantly to the cause with 38 runs.
Ultimately, Matthews took control of the innings, culminating in an emphatic finish for West Indies. Her commanding presence at the crease was instrumental in guiding the team to an impressive victory, demonstrating both skill and determination. As the West Indies celebrated a successful chase, the defeat left India with lessons to ponder as they shift focus ahead in the T20I series.
In conclusion, the match highlighted notable contributions from both teams, but it was the West Indies' comprehensive batting and fielding that truly shone through. With this victory, West Indies not only leveled the series but also showcased their potential in the T20 format as they seek to build momentum in the series going forward.