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In an exciting game at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, West Indies displayed a stellar all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 9-wicket victory over India in the 2nd Women’s T20I. The victory also allowed the visitors to level the series, setting the stage for an exciting decider.
Smriti Mandhana guides India to a competitive total
After losing the toss, India were sent in to bat and managed to post a total of 159/9 in their 20 overs. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana led the charge with a brilliant knock of 62 runs off 41 balls, laced with 9 boundaries and a six. Despite her efforts, the Indian innings lacked stability in the middle order.
Richa Ghosh provided late fireworks, scoring a quickfire 32 off just 17 balls, including six boundaries. Contributions from Deepti Sharma (17 off 15) and Saima Thakor (6 off 4) helped India post a competitive score. However, disciplined bowling from Deandra Dottin, who picked up 2/14 in her four overs, and Afy Fletcher, who also claimed two scalps, restricted the Indian batters from cutting loose.
Also WATCH: Minnu Mani’s jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Hayley Matthews in the IND-W vs WI-W 2024 1st T20I
Hayley Matthews leads the chase with stunning batting display
Chasing 160, West Indies came out with intent, spearheaded by a scintillating innings from skipper Hayley Matthews. The all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 47 balls, striking 17 boundaries in an innings of pure class and aggression.
Hayley found able support from opener Qiana Joseph, who contributed 38 off 22 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes, ensuring the chase was on track. Shemaine Campbelle added a steady 29 not out off 26 balls to seal the game in just 15.4 overs.
India’s bowling unit struggled to find breakthroughs, with Saima Thakor being the lone wicket-taker, finishing with 1/28 in her three overs. The rest of the bowlers proved ineffective against the West Indies’ commanding batting display. West Indies Women emerged victorious by 9 wickets, thanks to their skipper Hayley’s outstanding performance. She was adjudged the Player of the Match for her match-winning knock and valuable contribution with the ball (2/36).
Here is how fans reacted:
A captain's knock from Hayley Matthews helped West Indies tie the series against India 💪#INDvWI 📝: https://t.co/lOyMSJYT48 pic.twitter.com/bWxPQbpAQ8
— ICC (@ICC) December 17, 2024
Excellent win by @windieswomen vs India. That looked like unprecedented levels of aggression with the bat, blended with competence. Impressive to see Qiana Joseph add more offside shots to her game in these last two innings. Deandra Dottin back is a huge asset. Hayley Mathews 👸.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) December 17, 2024
This Hayley Matthews is a class act. Delightful footwork v spin.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) December 17, 2024
Most boundaries hit in a successful women's T20I run chase:
25 Hayley Matthews (WI) – 20×4, 5×6 v AUS 2023
20 Danni Wyatt-Hodge (ENG) – 15×4, 5×6 v IND, 2018
17 Karen Rolton (AUS) – 16×4, 1×6 v ENG, 2005
17 Hayley Matthews (WI) – 17×4 v IND, today 👈#indvwi— Sugu (@MegHPK07) December 17, 2024
England suffered from lack of backup plans against Qiana Joseph & Hayley Matthews in WC. Aus suffered from some ordinary bowling and below-par fielding against in-form Matthews in 2023. Today was another addition to the "What not to do when Matthews is batting 101" guide.#INDvWI
— Kalyani Mangale (@MangaleKalyani) December 17, 2024
Most boundaries hit in a successful women's T20I run chase:
25 Hayley Matthews (WI) – 20×4, 5×6 v AUS 2023
20 Danni Wyatt-Hodge (ENG) – 15×4, 5×6 v IND, 2018
17 Karen Rolton (AUS) – 16×4, 1×6 v ENG, 2005
17 Hayley Matthews (WI) – 17×4 v IND, today 👈#INDvWI https://t.co/z0JZhv4zLj— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) December 17, 2024
Hayley Matthews is currently the best player in women's cricket by a fair margin. Unlike our queens, she has amazing grit and determination to win. Top athelete. Super fit.
— Doordarshi (@Doordarshi420) December 17, 2024
Mi Blood 💙🫂
Hayley Matthews tribute to Mi coach Charlotte Edwards on her birthday 😭💙#HayleyMatthews #CharlotteEdwards #MumbaiIndians #MI #WPL #Hayley— Harmanpreet Kaur FC (@HPKaur_fc) December 17, 2024
what a knock by Hayley Matthews
— Leicester City 🇩🇲 (@LayInck) December 17, 2024
A dominant performance to level the series 1-1!💪🏾#WIWin | #INDWvWIW pic.twitter.com/JxzorDizcB
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) December 17, 2024
Also READ: From Smriti Mandhana to Simran Shaikh: Top 10 most expensive players in WPL History
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.