India Dominate West Indies to Take Series Lead

A fiery 81-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, coupled with sharp fielding and precise bowling, propelled India to a commanding 49-run victory over West Indies in the first T20I of the three-match series. Despite Deandra Dottin's explosive half-century, West Indies fell short in their chase of 196, thanks to Titas Sadhu's decisive three-wicket haul.

Mandhana Finds a New Partner

With Shafali Verma sidelined, Smriti Mandhana opened alongside Uma Chetry, who was playing her fifth T20I. Opting to bowl first, West Indies introduced spin in the second over, with Zaida James conceding 13 runs as Mandhana and Chetry found early boundaries. Mandhana quickly settled into her rhythm, scoring freely and dominating the 50-run powerplay partnership.

Chetry, despite surviving a slip catch on 14, struggled to accelerate and was bowled by Karishma Ramharack for 24 off 26 balls. Her dismissal brought Rodrigues to the crease, a move that turned the momentum further in India's favour.

Rodrigues Ignites the Charge

Rodrigues wasted no time, employing sweeps and reverse sweeps to score boundaries at will. Mandhana complemented her, expertly dispatching the spinners and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Their aggressive approach yielded 19 runs off a single over by Hayley Matthews. However, just as Mandhana reached 54, Ramharack dismissed her, breaking the dynamic partnership.

Richa Ghosh, arriving next, maintained the momentum with quick boundaries but was dismissed for 18 after a brief cameo. Rodrigues, undeterred, reached her half-century off 28 balls and continued to punish the bowlers with shots all around the ground. She was eventually run out in the final over for 73 off just 35 balls, but not before ensuring India posted an imposing 195 for 4.

Mani Shines as Super Sub

With Harmanpreet Kaur sitting out the chase, Mandhana assumed captaincy, and Minnu Mani stepped in as a substitute fielder. Mani grabbed the spotlight with stunning catches, including a diving effort at mid-on to dismiss Matthews and another at long-on to remove Chinelle Henry.

India’s fielding under the lights, often criticised in the past, was nearly flawless. Even Dottin, dropped twice, eventually found her match in Radha Yadav, who held onto a sharp chance at long-on.

Dottin’s Heroics and Sadhu’s Comeback

Dottin was the lone warrior for West Indies, smashing an 80-meter six to get off the mark and reaching her half-century off just 26 balls. Her power-packed innings kept the visitors in contention, but her dismissal for 52, courtesy of Sadhu, ended their hopes. Sadhu, making a strong return after injury, picked up three wickets, including the dangerous Qiana Joseph, who fell for 49.

Despite Dottin’s fireworks, West Indies could not overcome the climbing required rate, finishing at 146 for 7. India’s all-round performance not only secured victory but also set the tone for the series.