West Indies Women defeated India by nine wickets in the second T20 International at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Captain Hayley Matthews delivered a stellar unbeaten 85 as the visitors chased down India’s target of 160 with 26 balls to spare. Saima Thakor claimed the only wicket for India.

Matthews Shines Bright

Hayley Matthews, who led her team both with the bat and the ball, was named Player of the Match for her match-winning performance. Her innings powered West Indies to a dominant win after India’s bowling attack failed to make significant breakthroughs.

India’s Batting Effort

Earlier, India, invited to bat first, posted 159 for 9 in their 20 overs. Stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana top-scored with a composed 62, while Richa Ghosh added a quickfire 32 off 17 balls. However, West Indies bowlers, including Matthews, Afy Fletcher, Deandra Dottin, and Chinelle Henry, who took two wickets each, restricted India from setting a bigger target.

Notable Absence and Debut

India’s regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur missed the match due to a niggle sustained in the first T20I, which India had won by 49 runs. Raghvi Bist made her international debut, replacing Kaur in the squad.

Series Decider and ODI Schedule

With the series now tied, the third and final T20I will be played tomorrow. Following the T20Is, the West Indies Women’s team will face India in three One Day Internationals on the 22nd, 24th, and 27th of this month. Both teams are expected to bring their best to the remaining matches.