West Indies Thrash India in 2nd T20I, Level Series with Dominant Chase
The West Indies women’s cricket team came away with a thrilling nine wicket victory over India in a lively second T20 International setting up the series deadlocked at 1-1. The West Indies chased India’s 159 and ran out of 160 for 1 in 15.4 overs with 26 balls to spare in an encounter in which they lost a wicket when they had already chased the target.
Captain Hayley Matthews had a sterling knock of 85* off 47 balls to lead the West Indies. Matthews was aggressive with the bat as her team was guided to victory. She was well supported at the other end by opening partner Qiana Joseph (38) and one-down batter Shemaine Campbelle (29 run not out). Matthews’ performance was all around, picking up two wickets for 36 runs with the ball as well as being involved with the ball.
Smriti Mandhana’s 62 off 41 balls earlier in the day provided the backbone of India’s batting. Mandhana’s knock was also the sign of a captain’s knock ahead of regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur who missed out of the final due to a niggle, standing in for her. Other notable contributor was Richa Ghosh, making 32 off 17 balls. But the West Indies’ outstanding counterattacking effort of 161 for 2 in 20 overs was too much for India, who finished on 159 for 9.
Their bowlers ran riot on the Indian innings. But with the ball, Matthews herself was effective, taking 2 for 36. Afy Fletcher (2/28), Deandra Dottin (2/14) and Chinelle Henry (2/37) had returns of two wickets each in helping restrict India to a limited total.
There were a few changes on the Indian side with young Raghvi Bist making her debut in place of Harmanpreet Kaur. India, however, were unable to match the kind of form it showed in the first T20I, which it won by 49 runs, and despite the debutant’s inclusion.
The West Indies completed an emphatic win that drew the series level at 1-1 with one more match to play, although in truth India did not have much chance in the end, thanks to the West Indies splendid all around performance.
