Batting first, India women set a target of 142 runs, finishing at 141/8 in 20 overs. In reply, the West Indies women managed to score only 121/8 in their innings
India women have demonstrated their prowess as they head into the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, clinching a 20-run victory in their first warm-up match against West Indies on September 29 at the ICC Academy Ground No. 2 in Dubai. (Match Highlights | More Cricket News)
Batting first, India women set a target of 142 runs, finishing at 141/8 in 20 overs. In reply, the West Indies women managed to score only 121/8 in their innings.
Jemimah Rodrigues anchored India's innings with a crucial 52 runs off 40 balls, showcasing resilience and hitting five boundaries. Yastika Bhatia contributed with a solid 25-ball 24, including a four and a six, while opener Smriti Mandhana (14) and Deepti Sharma (13) also made useful contributions.
In their chase of the 142-run target, the West Indies' decision to field first after winning the toss backfired. Chinelle Henry remained the standout performer with an unbeaten 59 runs off 48 balls. Shemaine Campbelle (20) and Afy Fletcher (21) attempted to stabilize the innings, but their efforts were not enough to secure a win for the team.
The match showcased the bowling brilliance of the Indian pacers Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma, who took three and two wickets, respectively, for the Windies, leading Harmanpreet Kaur's side to victory and kickstarting India's campaign on a strong note.
India's bowling unit proved to be a formidable force. Pooja Vastrakar stood out with three wickets, while Deepti Sharma delivered an impressive 2/11. Renuka Singh (1/15), Asha Sobhana (1/7), and Radha Yadav (1/24) each contributed with a wicket, showcasing the team's bowling prowess.
The captains of both the teams struggled with the bat with the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur managing just 1 run off 4 balls. For the West Indies, Hayley Matthews shone with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 17 runs in her four overs, but she unfortunately recorded a duck in her second innings. Chinelle Henry (1/11) and Ashmini Munisar (1/33) also contributed with a wicket each.
Next up in the warm-ups schedule India will face South Africa women on October 1, Tuesday, at the ICC Academy Ground at 7:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, the West Indies will take on South Africa at The Sevens Stadium on the same day.
The T20 World Cup is set to begin on October 3, with India taking on New Zealand in their opening match on October 4.
Brief Scores:
India: 141 for 8 in 20 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 52; Hayley Matthews 4/17) West Indies: 121 for 8 in 20 overs (Chinelle Henry 59 not out; Pooja Vastrakar 3/20).
(With PTI inputs)