Matthews Shines as West Indies Dominate India

West Indies delivered a commanding performance to level the T20I series, cruising to a nine-wicket victory over India. Skipper Hayley Matthews led from the front with an unbeaten 85, featuring 17 boundaries, as the team snapped their nine-match losing streak against India in T20Is.

Matthews Leads the Charge

Matthews' exceptional innings compensated for a lacklustre fielding display, which included three dropped catches that gave India’s stand-in captain, Smriti Mandhana, multiple lifelines. Qiana Joseph, who supported Matthews with a quickfire 38, was among those who missed an opportunity to dismiss Mandhana. Despite these lapses, India's total of 159 for 9 proved insufficient under the pressure of West Indies' powerful batting lineup and the dew-laden conditions.

India’s Inexperienced Top Order

StumblesIndia’s batting faltered early as debutant Uma Chetry was bowled by Deandra Dottin for 4, and Afy Fletcher trapped Raghvi Bist lbw for 5. Jemimah Rodrigues also fell cheaply, leaving India struggling at 48 for 3 by the ninth over. However, Mandhana capitalised on dropped catches, crafting a 37-ball half-century to revive the innings. A flurry of boundaries between overs 12 and 14 added 36 runs, pushing India to 108 for 4, but the momentum faded as West Indies tightened their grip.

Dottin’s Brilliance and Ghosh’s Fightback

Deandra Dottin turned the tide with her athleticism and precision. She dismissed Richa Ghosh, who had smashed 32 off 16 balls, with a sharp yorker that Shemaine Campbelle expertly caught behind the stumps. Dottin capped the innings with a spectacular running catch at long-on to remove Radha Yadav, showcasing her all-round prowess.

Joseph Sets the Stage, Matthews Finishes the Job

Joseph redeemed her earlier fielding errors with a blistering start to the chase, smashing three fours and a six in the second over. Her aggressive 66-run opening partnership with Matthews laid a solid foundation, even as Saima Thakor claimed her maiden T20I wicket by deceiving Joseph with a slower ball.

Matthews took control from there, racing to a 31-ball half-century and dominating the Indian attack. By the 13th over, West Indies had matched India’s tally of boundaries, leaving no doubt about the outcome. Matthews finished the chase with style, ensuring West Indies levelled the series with a clinical and emphatic performance.