Smriti’s Heroics and Radha’s Magic Power India to Series Victory

Smriti Mandhana’s blazing half-century and Radha Yadav’s four-wicket haul secure a 2-1 series win against West Indies Women

Mumbai, December 20: A stellar half-century by Smriti Mandhana and a match-winning bowling spell from Radha Yadav helped India Women seal a convincing 60-run victory over West Indies Women in the third and final T20I at DY Patil Stadium, clinching the series 2-1.

India’s Dominant First Innings

Opting to bat first after West Indies won the toss, India suffered an early blow when Uma Chetry (0) was dismissed in the opening over. However, Smriti Mandhana (77 off 47 balls, 13 fours, 1 six) and Jemimah Rodrigues (39 off 28 balls, 4 fours) rescued the innings with a commanding 98-run partnership.

Richa Ghosh then took charge with a breathtaking knock, hammering 54 runs off just 21 balls, including 3 fours and 5 sixes. Supported by Raghvi Bist’s unbeaten 31 (22 balls, 2 fours, 1 six), India posted a daunting 217/4.

The Caribbean bowlers struggled, with only Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Afy Fletcher managing one wicket apiece.

West Indies’ Struggles in the Chase

Chasing 218, West Indies never found their rhythm. Openers Hayley Matthews (22) and Qiana Joseph (11) failed to build a solid foundation. Chinelle Henry’s fiery 43 off 16 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) and Deandra Dottin’s 25 (17 balls, 4 fours) provided brief hope, but the target proved insurmountable.

Radha Yadav was the star for India’s bowling attack, claiming four wickets for 29 runs in her four-over spell. Her efforts, coupled with disciplined bowling from the rest of the team, restricted West Indies to 157/9.

Accolades and Highlights

Richa Ghosh’s explosive batting earned her the ‘Player of the Match’ award, while Smriti Mandhana was deservingly named ‘Player of the Series’ for her consistent performances.

Brief Scores:

• India Women: 217/4 (Smriti Mandhana 77, Richa Ghosh 54; Afy Fletcher 1/24)
• West Indies Women: 157/9 (Chinelle Henry 43, Deandra Dottin 25; Radha Yadav 4/29)

The victory underscores India Women’s dominance and marks a thrilling end to a hard-fought series.