West Indies Women Tie T20I Series with India Women

The second T20I between the West Indies and India women’s cricket teams, played on December 18, 2024, witnessed a dominant performance by the West Indies, spearheaded by Hayley Matthews’ exceptional batting display. Having lost the first match, the West Indies were determined to level the series, and Matthews’ leadership and skill proved crucial in achieving this objective. India, opting to bat first after winning the toss, found themselves contained by a disciplined West Indies bowling attack and sharp fielding, managing to post a total of 159 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their stipulated 20 overs. Smriti Mandhana’s 62 and Richa Ghosh’s 32 were the notable contributions for India, but the West Indies bowlers ensured that the scoring rate remained under control throughout the innings. Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews, and Afy Fletcher each picked up two wickets, showcasing a well-rounded bowling effort.

The West Indies’ chase of 160 began with an explosive opening partnership between Hayley Matthews and Quiana Joseph. Matthews, in particular, exhibited remarkable strokeplay, dominating the Indian bowlers from the outset. Joseph provided solid support at the other end, contributing valuable runs and ensuring that the required run rate remained manageable. Their partnership of 66 runs laid a strong foundation for the West Indies innings, putting them in a commanding position to secure victory. The aggressive approach of both batters put immense pressure on the Indian bowlers, who struggled to contain the flow of runs. This partnership effectively nullified the advantage India might have perceived after setting a target of 160.

Following Joseph’s dismissal after scoring a well-compiled 38, Shemaine Campbell joined Matthews in the middle. Campbell seamlessly integrated into the momentum built by the openers, providing the necessary support and allowing Matthews to continue her onslaught. The duo exhibited excellent understanding and communication, rotating the strike effectively and punishing any loose deliveries. Their unbeaten partnership of 94 runs steered the West Indies to a comfortable victory with 26 balls to spare, highlighting the dominance they exerted throughout the chase. Campbell remained unbeaten on 26*, playing a crucial role in ensuring the team reached the target without any further hiccups.

Hayley Matthews’ unbeaten knock of 85 was the centerpiece of the West Indies’ emphatic win. Her innings was characterized by powerful hitting, intelligent placement, and impeccable timing. She struck boundaries with ease, constantly keeping the scoreboard ticking and demoralizing the Indian bowlers. Matthews’ controlled aggression ensured that the required run rate always remained within reach, allowing her partner to settle in and consolidate the innings. Her captain’s knock not only secured the victory but also provided a significant boost to the team’s morale, setting the stage for a competitive series decider. This innings exemplified Matthews’ all-round abilities, proving her to be a match-winner with both bat and ball.

For India, the loss exposed their struggles in containing the West Indies batters. Despite setting what seemed like a competitive total, the Indian bowlers were unable to find a breakthrough early on and struggled to stem the flow of runs. The failure to dismiss Matthews early proved to be a decisive factor in the match. The fielding lapses and dropped catches further compounded their woes, allowing the West Indies to gain momentum and capitalize on the opportunities presented. The Indian team will need to reassess their strategies and address their weaknesses in both bowling and fielding ahead of the final T20I to avoid a series defeat.

In conclusion, the second T20I between the West Indies and India showcased a dominant performance by the West Indies, orchestrating a comprehensive 9-wicket victory. Hayley Matthews’ stellar all-round performance, marked by a match-winning 85*, was the defining factor in the game. Combined with crucial contributions from Quiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbell, the West Indies chased down the target with ease, demonstrating a commanding batting display. India, despite posting a seemingly competitive total, struggled to contain the West Indies batters, highlighting areas requiring improvement in their bowling and fielding departments. The victory levels the series, setting the stage for a thrilling decider.