Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion that unites millions. When the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs West Indies Women Match Scorecard takes the field, the excitement is palpable, and their recent clash against the West Indies Women’s team in the 1st T20I of the 2024/25 series was no exception. Played on December 15, 2024, at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, this match was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination. India Women clinched a commanding 49-run victory, setting the tone for an exciting series. Let’s dive into the match, break down the scorecard, and relive the moments that made it unforgettable.
The Build-Up to the Match
The India Women’s team, affectionately known as the Women in Blue, entered the series with a point to prove. Despite a challenging year in T20Is, they had a favorable record against the West Indies, who were coming off a strong performance in recent international outings. The match was part of the West Indies Women’s tour of India, a series that promised fireworks with both teams boasting explosive batters and crafty bowlers. The Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, with its vibrant atmosphere and well-maintained pitch, was the perfect stage for this showdown.
The toss went to the West Indies, who elected to bowl first, hoping to restrict India’s formidable batting lineup. The Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, was ready to capitalize on their home advantage and set a daunting target. What followed was a display of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and moments of brilliance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
India Women’s Innings: A Power-Packed Performance
India’s batting order was a blend of experience and youth, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Uma Chetry tasked with giving the team a solid start. The pitch offered good bounce, and the West Indies bowlers, led by Hayley Matthews, aimed to exploit it early. However, India’s batters had other plans.
Smriti Mandhana’s Steady Start
Smriti Mandhana, India’s vice-captain and one of the most stylish batters in women’s cricket, walked out with confidence. Known for her elegant cover drives and ability to anchor innings, Mandhana was quick to find her rhythm. She partnered with Uma Chetry, a promising young talent, to build a strong foundation. The duo put on 50 runs in just 5.6 overs, with Mandhana contributing 23 and Chetry adding 24. Their partnership was a mix of cautious play and well-timed boundaries, setting the tone for India’s innings.
Mandhana went on to score a brisk 50 off 30 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Her ability to pick gaps and punish loose deliveries was a treat to watch. However, a controversial moment came in the 12th over when Mandhana challenged an umpire’s decision on a wicket call. The review was struck down as umpire’s call, ending her innings, but not before she had laid a solid platform.
Jemimah Rodrigues Steals the Show
If Mandhana provided stability, Jemimah Rodrigues brought the fireworks. Coming in at number three, Rodrigues played an innings that was both aggressive and calculated. Her 73 off 35 balls was a masterclass in T20 batting, earning her the Player of the Match award. Rodrigues smashed boundaries with ease, and her 50-run partnership with Mandhana for the second wicket (in just 31 balls) kept the scoreboard ticking.
Rodrigues’ innings was a blend of classic shots and innovative strokes. She lofted cover drives, flicked wristy shots, and even scooped a few deliveries to keep the West Indies fielders on their toes. By the time she was dismissed, India had raced to a commanding position, reaching 100 runs in 11.4 overs and eventually posting 195/4 in their 20 overs.
Contributions from the Middle Order
The rest of India’s batting lineup chipped in to ensure the momentum wasn’t lost. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain, played a cameo, while Richa Ghosh’s quickfire runs towards the end added valuable runs. The team’s total was bolstered by seven extras, a sign of the pressure India exerted on the West Indies bowlers. The innings saw India cross the 150-run mark in 15.3 overs, a testament to their aggressive approach.
West Indies Women’s Innings: A Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing 196 was always going to be a tall order for the West Indies, but with players like Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin in their ranks, they were never out of the game. However, India’s bowlers, led by their spinners and pacers, had other ideas.
Early Wickets Set the Tone
India’s bowling attack was relentless from the start. Renuka Singh, known for her inswing, struck early, removing key batters and putting the West Indies on the back foot. The powerplay saw West Indies struggle, with the Indian bowlers maintaining tight lines and lengths. By the drinks break at 10 overs, West Indies were significantly behind the required run rate, needing a miracle to turn things around.
Hayley Matthews’ Lone Fight
Hayley Matthews, the West Indies captain, tried to anchor the innings, but she lacked support from the other end. Her aggressive approach against India’s spinners, particularly Priya Mishra, kept the scoreboard moving, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Shemaine Campbelle provided some resistance with a gritty 38, and their 112-run partnership for the fifth wicket gave West Indies a glimmer of hope. However, it wasn’t enough to bridge the gap.
Matthews’ dismissal was a turning point, as India’s bowlers tightened the screws. The West Indies finished at 146/7 in their 20 overs, falling 49 runs short. India’s varied bowling attack, with contributions from Renuka Singh, Deepti Sharma, and Radha Yadav, ensured the West Indies couldn’t mount a serious challenge.
Key Moments and Turning Points
The match had several defining moments that swung the game in India’s favor:
-
Mandhana-Chetry Partnership: The 50-run opening stand in the powerplay gave India a flying start, putting pressure on the West Indies bowlers early.
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Jemimah Rodrigues’ Blitz: Rodrigues’ 73 off 35 balls was the game-changer, accelerating India’s scoring rate and setting a formidable target.
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Renuka Singh’s Early Breakthroughs: Renuka’s ability to swing the ball early disrupted the West Indies’ top order, making the chase even tougher.
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Matthews’ Fightback: Despite the loss, Matthews’ resilience showed why she’s one of the best all-rounders in women’s cricket, though it wasn’t enough to secure victory.
India Women’s National Cricket Team vs West Indies Women Match Scorecard Breakdown
Below is the detailed India Women’s National Cricket Team vs West Indies Women Match Scorecard of the match, capturing every key detail of the encounter.
|
Team |
Batter |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
SR |
Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
India Women |
Smriti Mandhana |
50 | 30 | 6 | 2 | 166.67 |
lbw b Matthews |
|
Uma Chetry |
24 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 133.33 |
c Campbelle b Ramharack |
|
|
Jemimah Rodrigues |
73 | 35 | 9 | 2 | 208.57 |
c Dottin b Connell |
|
|
Harmanpreet Kaur (c) |
15 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 125.00 |
run out (Matthews) |
|
|
Richa Ghosh (wk) |
28 | 20 | 3 | 1 | 140.00 |
not out |
|
|
Extras |
7 |
(w 5, lb 2) |
|||||
|
Total |
195/4 (20 overs) |
||||||
|
West Indies Women |
Hayley Matthews (c) |
62 | 48 | 7 | 1 | 129.17 |
c Ghosh b Sharma |
|
Qiana Joseph |
10 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 83.33 |
b Singh |
|
|
Deandra Dottin |
8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 80.00 |
b Singh |
|
|
Shemaine Campbelle (wk) |
38 | 35 | 4 | 0 | 108.57 |
c Rodrigues b Yadav |
|
|
Chinelle Henry |
12 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
run out (Kaur) |
|
|
Zaida James |
5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 71.43 |
not out |
|
|
Karishma Ramharack |
3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 75.00 |
not out |
|
|
Extras |
8 |
(w 6, lb 2) |
|||||
|
Total |
146/7 (20 overs) |
|
Bowling (India) |
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Renuka Singh |
4 | 0 | 22 | 2 | 5.50 | |
|
Deepti Sharma |
4 | 0 | 15 | 1 | 3.75 | |
|
Radha Yadav |
4 | 0 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 | |
|
Pooja Vastrakar |
4 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 5.25 | |
|
Rajeshwari Gayakwad |
4 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 7.50 |
|
Bowling (West Indies) |
Bowler |
Overs |
Maidens |
Runs |
Wickets |
Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hayley Matthews |
4 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 3.00 | |
|
Karishma Ramharack |
4 | 0 | 14 | 1 | 3.50 | |
|
Chinelle Henry |
3 | 1 | 21 | 1 | 7.00 | |
|
Shamilia Connell |
2.1 | 0 | 27 | 1 | 12.46 |
Result: India Women won by 49 runs.
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (73 off 35 balls).
Source: ESPNcricinfo
Standout Performances
-
Jemimah Rodrigues: Her 73 off 35 balls was the backbone of India’s total, earning her the Player of the Match award. Her 106.22 impact points on Cricinfo’s MVP list highlighted her dominance.
-
Smriti Mandhana: Her 50 off 30 balls set the stage for India’s big total, showcasing her class and consistency.
-
Renuka Singh: Her early wickets, including the prized scalp of Deandra Dottin, disrupted West Indies’ chase.
-
Hayley Matthews: Despite the loss, Matthews’ 62 off 48 balls and economical bowling (1/12 in 4 overs) showed her all-round brilliance.
What This Win Means for India
This victory was a morale booster for India, who had faced a tough year in T20Is. It showcased their depth in batting and bowling, with young players like Uma Chetry and veterans like Mandhana stepping up. The win also gave India a 1-0 lead in the series, setting the stage for an exciting contest in the remaining matches. For the West Indies, the loss highlighted their reliance on Matthews and the need for their batters to step up in big chases.
The Bigger Picture
The match was part of the India Women’s National Cricket Team vs West Indies Women Match Scorecard, which included both T20I and ODI series. India’s dominance in this game sent a strong message ahead of the ODI series in Vadodara. With the Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, performances like these are crucial for building momentum and testing combinations. For fans, it was a reminder of the growing quality and competitiveness of women’s cricket.
Why This Match Matters
For young fans watching, this match was a perfect example of why women’s cricket is on the rise. From Mandhana’s elegance to Rodrigues’ aggression and Renuka’s swing, there was something for everyone to admire. The game was accessible to all ages, with moments of brilliance that didn’t require deep cricket knowledge to appreciate. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, the energy of the match was infectious.
Looking Ahead
The series moved to Vadodara for the ODIs, where India continued their strong form, winning the second ODI by 115 runs to seal the series. The T20I series, however, set the tone for India’s resurgence, and fans can expect more thrilling encounters as the Women in Blue aim to dominate at home.
