India Women vs West Indies Women Highlights ICC Women's T20 World Cup Warm-up Match 4

India's women's cricket team showcased a strong all-round performance to earn a 20-run victory over West Indies in their T20 World Cup warm-up match at ICC Academy 2 in Dubai. Despite an early collapse, India recovered well, thanks to Jemimah Rodrigues' steady innings, while the bowlers ensured that the West Indies couldn't chase down the target.

Rodrigues Leads India's Recovery After Top-Order Collapse

India, having been put in to bat after losing the toss, faced a challenging start. West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews was in top form, dismissing Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana cheaply, leaving India in deep trouble at 23 for three. Matthews eventually finished with impressive figures of 4/17.

With the team reeling, Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia stepped up to stabilize the innings. The duo put on a crucial 50-run partnership, which helped India regain some momentum. Bhatia contributed a handy 24 before falling to Matthews, while Rodrigues went on to anchor the innings with a vital half-century. Her knock of 52 runs provided the foundation that India needed, and despite being run out towards the end, she had taken India to a respectable total of 141 for eight in their 20 overs.

West Indies Falter in the Chase

In response, the West Indies had an even worse start, with their top-order crumbling to 13 for three. The early loss of key players, including a five-ball duck for Matthews, put them under immense pressure. Pooja Vastrakar was instrumental in India's early breakthroughs, finishing with figures of 3/20.

Shemaine Campbelle and Chinelle Henry then fought back for the West Indies, adding 57 runs for the fourth wicket. Campbelle made 20 before being dismissed, but Henry continued to fight, scoring an unbeaten 59. However, the required run rate kept climbing, and once Campbelle fell, India tightened their grip on the game.

Deepti Sharma delivered a crucial spell, taking two wickets for just 11 runs, which effectively sealed the win for India. The West Indies ultimately ended their innings at 121 for eight, falling 20 runs short of the target.

Scorecard Summary

India Innings: 141/8 in 20 overs

• Jemimah Rodrigues: 52 (42 balls)
• Yastika Bhatia: 24 (20 balls)
• Hayley Matthews: 4/17
• Chinelle Henry: 1/11

West Indies Innings: 121/8 in 20 overs

• Chinelle Henry: 59 not out (45 balls)
• Shemaine Campbelle: 20 (19 balls)
• Pooja Vastrakar: 3/20
• Deepti Sharma: 2/11

Result: India won by 20 runs.

Key Takeaways

India's victory was built on the resilience of their middle order, led by Jemimah Rodrigues, and an all-round bowling performance. The early breakthroughs by Pooja Vastrakar and the spin duo of Deepti Sharma and Hayley Matthews were pivotal in determining the outcome. For the West Indies, Chinelle Henry's valiant effort went in vain, highlighting the need for more support from the top order if they are to be competitive in the upcoming tournament.