Mandhana and Ghosh Power India to Series Victory with Commanding 60-Run Win
Navi Mumbai, Thursday: India clinched the T20I series 2-1 against the West Indies in style, defeating the visitors by 60 runs in the third match at Navi Mumbai. A scintillating 77 off 47 balls from Smriti Mandhana and a blistering 21-ball 54 from Richa Ghosh powered India to a daunting total of 217-5. The West Indies, struggling with the mounting run rate and key wickets falling at regular intervals, could only muster 157/9 in their chase, falling short despite a powerful cameo from Chinelle Henry.
Opting to bat first, India got off to a rough start, with Uma Chetry dismissed cheaply in the first over. But Mandhana, in sublime form, quickly took charge, launching a flurry of boundaries to help India race to 61 runs in the Powerplay. She was well supported by Jemimah Rodrigues, who contributed a solid 39 off 28 balls, as the pair added a rapid 98-run partnership in just 55 balls. The pitch, aided by heavy dew, was becoming increasingly easy to bat on, and India capitalized on the loose deliveries.
Rodrigues fell right after the drinks break, but Mandhana continued to dominate before falling for 77 to a slower ball from Deandra Dottin. Raghvi Bist added an important 31 not out off 22 balls, and together, they pushed India closer to the 200-run mark. Then, it was time for Ghosh to shine. The wicketkeeper-batter turned on the heat, smashing five sixes and three fours to bring up a stunning fifty off just 18 balls, equaling the joint-fastest for India in T20Is. With clever strike rotation from Bist, India surged to a massive total.
In reply, the West Indies never looked like they would chase down the steep target. Qiana Joseph struck a six but fell off the very next ball to a part-time off-spin delivery from Sajeevan Sajana, signaling the West Indies' struggle. Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin both failed to accelerate, while the pressure of the required run rate built quickly. Despite **Chinelle Henry's explosive 43 off 16 balls, the required rate was out of reach, and India’s bowlers made sure no other West Indian batter could find any rhythm.
India's fielding was much improved from the second T20I, with key catches being taken, and their bowling was sharp and incisive. Radha Yadav was the standout performer, claiming 4 wickets for 29 runs, using changes in pace to baffle the West Indian batters. India's collective effort with both bat and ball ensured a dominant win, as they sealed the series 2-1.
