Women's T20 WC: India defeat West Indies in warm-up match
Under Harmanpreet Kaur's leadership, the Indian women's cricket team kicked off their warm-up fixtures for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup with a bang, defeating the West Indies by a solid 20 runs. The match unfolded at the ICC Academy Ground No. 2 in Dubai. Jemimah Rodrigues and Pooja Vastrakar's stunning performances were key to India's success. Here are further details.
Rodrigues and Vastrakar shine in India's victory
Despite a shaky start with openers Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana scoring just 7 and 14 runs respectively, Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. Captain Kaur was dismissed early on by West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews for a single run. However, Rodrigues continued to build the foundation of India's innings, eventually falling for 52 when she was run out.
India sets target, Vastrakar strikes early
Richa Ghosh was run out for seven, and Rodrigues soon followed her out in a similar manner. A few big hits from Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma helped India set a total of 141 runs in their 20 overs. The chase started off well for India with Vastrakar's early strike to send Qiana Joseph back. The batter tried to send the delivery over midwicket but miscued it straight to Harmanpreet for a catch.
Vastrakar's performance secures win for India
Vastrakar kept her great run going by dismissing Chedean Nation. Despite a solid 56-run partnership between Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle, Asha Shobhana broke through and a double-wicket over from Sharma sealed the deal for India. Afy Fletcher and Henry did show some resistance but the Indian bowlers held on for a 20-run win. Vastrakar was the star among the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/20 in four overs.
India prepares for upcoming warm-up match
After their big win, Harmanpreet's crew is looking like a tough contender for the ultimate title. They'll be up against South Africa next in another warm-up match on October 1 in Dubai. Speaking of warm-ups, Australia kicked things off strongly in the UAE as it geared up to defend its crown. Plus, New Zealand also had a solid eight-wicket victory against last year's T20 World Cup runners-up, South Africa.
