India Ends T20I Series Win Drought at Home After Record-Breaking Fifties from Mandhana and Ghosh
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In a thrilling and record-laden encounter at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on December 19, 2024, the Indian women’s cricket team clinched their first T20I series win at home in five years, defeating West Indies by 60 runs in the third and final T20I of the series. This victory also marked India’s first T20 series win on home soil since October 2019, breaking a long drought.
The victory was powered by remarkable performances from stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana and young wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who delivered breathtaking fifties in a high-scoring encounter. India posted a record total of 217/4, their highest ever in T20I cricket, before restricting West Indies to 157/9 in their 20 overs. Mandhana and Ghosh were the stars of the match, with Mandhana becoming the first woman cricketer to score 30 fifty-plus scores in T20Is, while Ghosh equalled the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20I cricket history.[1]
In this detailed article, we’ll break down India’s commanding performance, the key moments that led to the series victory, and all the statistics from the historic match.
India Women’s Cricket Team: A Historic Win Against West Indies
The third T20I of the series turned out to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams put up an exciting display of batting and bowling, with India eventually prevailing by a massive 60-run margin. This series win is especially significant as it ends a long wait for the Indian women’s team to win a T20I series at home.[2]
Mandhana Record-Breaking Fifty
Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana continued her exceptional form with the bat, scoring 77 runs off 47 balls. This innings was not only vital in setting up India’s massive total but also helped her achieve a remarkable milestone. With this 50-plus score, Mandhana became the first-ever woman cricketer to score 30 fifty-plus scores in T20I cricket, surpassing all her contemporaries.
Mandhana’s innings was filled with exquisite stroke play, as she struck 13 boundaries and one six. She reached her half-century off just 27 balls, continuing her dominance in the shortest format. She has been in remarkable form this year, having already scored 8 fifties in T20Is, the most by any player in a calendar year. By the time she was dismissed by Deandra Dottin in the 15th over, Mandhana had given India a solid foundation with 77 runs.[3]
Richa Ghosh’s Explosive Fifty
The 20-year-old Richa Ghosh created history with her stunning 18-ball fifty, equalling the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20I cricket, a feat previously achieved by Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield. Ghosh’s fiery fifty, which was laced with five sixes and three fours, helped India reach an imposing total.
She ended up with an unbeaten 54 runs off 21 balls, displaying immense power and aggressive intent in the final stages of the innings. Richa’s performance was crucial in India posting their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4. She and Raghvi Bist added an explosive 70 runs off just 32 balls in the final overs, with Bist finishing unbeaten on 31 off 22 balls.[4]
Key Contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues and Raghvi Bist
Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been in good touch throughout the series, played a crucial supporting role. She scored 39 runs off 28 balls, building a strong partnership with Mandhana, with the duo adding 98 runs for the second wicket. Rodrigues played a key role in helping India recover after the early loss of Uma Chetry in the first over.
Raghvi Bist, who had been called up in place of the injured Harmanpreet Kaur, also contributed with the bat. Her unflinching approach in the final overs ensured that India did not lose momentum. Bist, along with Ghosh, took India to a massive total that seemed impossible for the visitors to chase down.[5]
West Indies Chase and India’s Dominance with the Ball
In response to India’s mammoth total, West Indies had a daunting task ahead of them. They lost opener Qiana Joseph early to Sajeevan Sajana in the fourth over, and the pressure mounted on the remaining batters. However, Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews tried to fight back, putting on a brief 37-run stand for the second wicket.[6]
Radha Yadav and India’s Spinners
India’s bowlers, led by the experienced Radha Yadav, struck at regular intervals to put the West Indies on the back foot. Yadav, who has been one of India’s most consistent performers in T20Is, took the crucial wickets of Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, both of whom were key players for the West Indies.[7]
Yadav finished with impressive figures of 4/29 from her four overs, making her the pick of the Indian bowlers. Along with Radha, Titas Sadhu and Renuka Singh chipped in with important wickets. Sadhu dismissed Dottin, while Renuka got the dangerous Chinelle Henry, who had threatened to take the game away from India with a blazing 43 runs off 16 balls.
West Indies’ Struggles in the Chase
Despite a late surge from Henry, the required run rate proved too much for the West Indies. With the asking rate constantly climbing, the West Indian batters failed to build partnerships and succumbed to the pressure. The Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners, maintained tight lines, restricting the West Indies to 157/9, well short of the target.[8]
India’s Historic Win: Key Statistics and Match Summary
India’s victory in the third T20I not only secured the series win but also gave them a much-needed boost as they prepare for upcoming challenges in the women’s T20I circuit.[9]
Match Summary:
| Team | Runs | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| India Women | 217/4 | – | 20 |
| West Indies Women | 157/9 | – | 20 |
Batting Performances:
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 77 | 47 | 13 | 1 | 163.82 |
| Richa Ghosh | 54 | 21 | 3 | 5 | 257.14 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 39 | 28 | 4 | 0 | 139.29 |
| Raghvi Bist | 31 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 140.90 |
Bowling Performances:
| Player | Overs | Runs Conceded | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radha Yadav | 4 | 29 | 4 | 7.25 |
| Titas Sadhu | 4 | 29 | 1 | 7.25 |
| Sajeevan Sajana | 4 | 31 | 1 | 7.75 |
| Renuka Singh | 4 | 35 | 1 | 8.75 |
Top Performers for West Indies:
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinelle Henry | 43 | 16 | 3 | 4 | 268.75 |
| Deandra Dottin | 28 | 23 | 3 | 1 | 121.74 |
| Hayley Matthews | 19 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 95.00 |
India Clinches First T20I Series Win at Home in Five Years After Record-Breaking Fifties from Mandhana and Ghosh
India women’s cricket team ended a five-year wait for a T20I series victory at home with a comprehensive 60-run win over the West Indies in the third T20I of the series on December 19, 2024. The victory, which sealed the series 2-1, marked India’s first T20I series win on home soil since 2019. Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana and young wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh were the driving forces behind the massive win, delivering record-breaking performances with the bat.
In a thrilling contest at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, India posted their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4. Mandhana, continuing her fine form, scored 77 runs off 47 balls, while Ghosh smashed a blistering 54 off 21 balls, including an 18-ball fifty that matched the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20I cricket. In reply, West Indies were restricted to 157/9, with India’s spinners, led by Radha Yadav, bowling expertly to secure a 60-run victory.
In this article, we delve deeper into the key performances, the moments that decided the series, and the post-match reactions from India’s standout players.
Mandhana’s Leadership and Record-Breaking Fifty
India’s stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana was the cornerstone of India’s imposing total. Mandhana, who has been in sensational form across formats, continued her stellar run with the bat by scoring 77 runs off 47 balls, her third consecutive half-century in the series. Her knock was laced with 13 boundaries and one six, as she led from the front with a record-breaking performance.
Mandhana’s 77 helped her become the first-ever woman cricketer to score 30 fifty-plus scores in T20I cricket. This remarkable feat underscored her consistency and dominance in the shortest format of the game. Reflecting on the team’s performance post-match, Mandhana revealed how she motivated her teammates ahead of the series decider.
“After the last match, I told the girls it has been five years since we last won a T20I series at home. That does not reflect the team we are,” Mandhana said. She further emphasized the importance of staying focused and doing the right things. “Today, we had an opportunity to rectify that and we just wanted to play good cricket,” she added.
Mandhana also praised the team’s batting depth, which was key to the commanding total of 217. Despite the absence of regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana remained calm and focused, leading her team with authority.
Richa Ghosh’s Explosive Fifty and Player-of-the-Match Performance
Richa Ghosh was the standout performer for India in the final stages of the innings. Her explosive 54 runs off just 21 balls included five sixes and three fours, as she equaled the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is, achieving the milestone in just 18 balls. Ghosh’s aggressive batting not only powered India to their highest T20I total but also helped them finish on a high note after Mandhana’s solid foundation.[10]
Player-of-the-Match Richa attributed her success to the strong start the team had, setting the platform for her to finish the innings in style. “We got a good start, the way everyone batted. I just wanted to continue that and whenever the ball was in my slot, I tried to hit it,” said Richa. She also shared insights into her mindset during the innings, revealing how she approaches the game in the nets. “In the nets, I think about the match and try to clear the fence. If the ball is in my slot, whether it’s the first ball or the last, it doesn’t matter,” Richa added.
Richa’s brilliance in the final overs was crucial in India posting 217/4, a total that proved far too much for West Indies to chase. Her partnership with Raghvi Bist (31* off 22 balls) in the last five overs added an explosive 70 runs in just 32 balls, taking India’s total beyond the 200-mark.[15]
India’s Batting Masterclass: Contributions from Rodrigues and Bist
While Mandhana and Ghosh were the key contributors, the rest of the batting lineup also played crucial roles. Jemimah Rodrigues, who had been in fine form in the series, continued her good run with a well-paced 39 runs off 28 balls. Rodrigues formed a crucial partnership of 98 runs with Mandhana for the second wicket, setting the stage for a massive total.[11]
Raghvi Bist, who replaced the injured Harmanpreet Kaur in the playing XI, was a revelation in the final overs. Bist showcased her aggressive intent by hitting her fourth or fifth ball for a six, a stroke that impressed Mandhana. “The way Raghvi batted was impressive. She came in with a lot of intent. Hitting her fourth or fifth ball for six, I would not have been able to do that in my second match,” Mandhana said, praising the youngster for her fearless approach.
West Indies’ Struggles in the Chase
In reply to India’s mammoth total, West Indies were always under pressure. They got off to a quiet start, scoring just nine runs in the first three overs. The loss of opener Qiana Joseph in the fourth over put further pressure on the visitors. However, Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews fought back with a 37-run stand for the second wicket, but the required run rate was climbing quickly.
India’s spinners played a key role in breaking the back of the West Indies chase. Radha Yadav, in particular, was exceptional, taking 4/29 from her four overs. Yadav broke the crucial partnership between Matthews and Dottin, dismissing both in quick succession. Titas Sadhu and Renuka Singh also made timely breakthroughs to keep the pressure on the West Indies batters.[12]
Chinelle Henry’s brief late flourish, in which she scored 43 runs off 16 balls, kept the visitors’ hopes alive, but it was too little, too late. West Indies were eventually restricted to 157/9, with India winning by 60 runs and sealing the series 2-1.
Mandhana Reflects on the Series Victory
Following the victory, Mandhana took a moment to reflect on the importance of the series win. “The five-year wait for a T20I series win at home did not reflect the team we are. This win is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and talent within our squad,” she said. Mandhana was full of praise for her teammates, particularly for the batting effort that saw them post a massive total.
“Even though we had to bat first in all three matches due to losing the toss, the girls handled the pressure well and put up big scores. I am really proud of how everyone stepped up,” Mandhana added.[13]
Conclusion: India’s T20I Series Victory Marks a New Era
India’s victory in the third T20I and their first series win at home in five years is a significant milestone for the women’s team. The performances of Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh, and the entire batting lineup, coupled with the brilliant bowling from Radha Yadav and the spinners, highlighted the depth and talent of the Indian squad.[14]
The win not only ended a long wait but also sent a clear message to the cricketing world that India’s women’s team is back at the top of their game. With the confidence from this series victory, India will now look ahead to future challenges and aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments.
India’s emphatic win in the third T20I against the West Indies highlighted their dominance in all departments. Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh were the stars with the bat, breaking records and leading the team to their highest-ever T20I total. The Indian spinners, led by Radha Yadav, bowled intelligently, restricting the West Indies’ chase and securing the series 2-1.
This victory not only ends a long wait for a T20I series win at home but also showcases the depth and talent of the Indian women’s cricket team as they look ahead to future competitions.
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FAQ: India Women’s T20I Series Win Against West Indies
1. When did India last win a T20I series at home?
India last won a T20I series at home in 2019, defeating South Africa 3-1. The win against West Indies in December 2024 marked their first T20I series victory at home in five years.
2. Who was the standout performer in the third T20I?
Smriti Mandhana was the standout performer for India in the third T20I. She scored 77 runs off 47 balls, including 13 fours and one six, and became the first woman cricketer to score 30 fifty-plus scores in T20I cricket.
3. What was the record set by Richa Ghosh?
Richa Ghosh equaled the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20I cricket, scoring 50 runs in just 18 balls. She finished with 54 runs off 21 balls, including five sixes and three fours.
4. What was India’s total score in the third T20I?
India posted their highest-ever T20I total of 217/4 in 20 overs, with notable contributions from Smriti Mandhana (77), Richa Ghosh (54), and Raghvi Bist (31).
5. How did West Indies perform in the chase?
West Indies were restricted to 157/9 in their 20 overs. Despite a late flourish from Chinelle Henry (43 off 16 balls), the required run rate proved too steep, and they fell short by 60 runs.
6. Who was the Player of the Match in the third T20I?
Richa Ghosh was named Player of the Match for her explosive 54 runs off 21 balls, which helped India finish with a formidable total.
7. What role did Radha Yadav play in India’s win?
Radha Yadav played a key role with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 29 runs in her four overs. She was instrumental in breaking the key partnerships of West Indies during the chase.
8. Who replaced Harmanpreet Kaur in the third T20I?
Raghvi Bist replaced the injured Harmanpreet Kaur in the playing XI. She made a crucial contribution with a quick-fire 31* off 22 balls, providing the much-needed momentum in the final stages of India’s innings.
9. How did India’s batting lineup perform overall?
India’s batting was superb in the third T20I. Smriti Mandhana (77), Jemimah Rodrigues (39), and Richa Ghosh (54) all played vital roles in propelling India to a record-breaking total of 217/4. Raghvi Bist also contributed an unbeaten 31.
10. How did Smriti Mandhana motivate her team before the series decider?
Mandhana reminded her teammates that the five-year drought for a T20I series win at home did not reflect the team’s true potential. She motivated them by saying, “We have an opportunity to change that today by doing the right things.”