3rd T20I
Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh has lead the India team to a series victory
India scored 217-5 in 20 overs, where as West Indies scored 157/9 in 20 overs.
So, finally India beat West Indies by 60 runs.
Smriti Mandhana struck her third half-century of the series with a classy 77 off 47 balls, while Richa Ghosh powered India to a commanding 60-run victory with a blistering 21-ball 54 in the third T20I against West Indies in Navi Mumbai, sealing the series 2-1.
Batting first on the same pitch used in the previous two games, India set a massive target of 218, thanks to Mandhana’s solid start and Ghosh’s explosive finish.
Despite heavy dew throughout the match, the West Indies’ chase proved difficult, as they struggled to build momentum.
India’s innings began similarly to the previous match, with Uma Chetry falling cheaply in the first over.
However, Mandhana came out in an ultra-aggressive mood, leading India to a quick powerplay score of 61.
Jemimah Rodrigues (39 off 28) also found her rhythm, and the pair added 98 for the second wicket in just 55 balls.
The surface was becoming increasingly easier to bat on due to the dew, and both batters capitalized on some loose bowling, particularly Mandhana.
Rodrigues fell immediately after the drinks break, but India’s momentum continued as Raghvi Bist (31* off 22) partnered with Mandhana for another 44-run stand, providing a perfect platform for a big total.
Mandhana appeared poised for a century but fell unexpectedly to a slower ball from Deandra Dottin.
That moment was one of the few bright spots for the West Indies, as Dottin’s spell was unusually expensive.
Ghosh then took control in the slog overs, smashing five sixes and three fours in a dazzling 54 off just 18 balls—the joint-fastest half-century for India in T20Is.
Bist remained unbeaten, ensuring Ghosh was well-fed on strike as India surpassed the 200-run mark.
In response, West Indies needed to replicate their performance from the previous game, but their innings never gained momentum.
Qiana Joseph hit a six before falling on the next ball, and Hayley Matthews (22 off 17) and Dottin (25 off 17) could not accelerate the chase.
Both were dismissed as the required run rate mounted.
Chinelle Henry (43 off 16) played a thrilling cameo, but it wasn’t enough to threaten India’s total.
India’s fielding was better than in the previous match, with most catches being taken, and the bowlers improved their performance as well.
Radha Yadav (4-29) was the standout, using variations in pace to dismiss key batters.
India’s improved bowling, combined with scoreboard pressure, ensured that West Indies were never truly in contention.
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