Hayley Matthews' blitz levels series as West Indies Women beat India
When Hayley Matthews, captain of West Indies Women smashed a quickfire knock on December 17, 2024, the three‑match T20I series with India was level at 1‑1.
The showdown unfolded under lights at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. India won the toss, sent the hosts in to bat, and relied on Smriti Mandhana to anchor the innings. Her fifty was solid, but the Caribbean side chased the target with just one wicket lost, turning the tide dramatically.
How the match unfolded
India Women slipped into the crease at 7:30 pm IST. Opening partnership was steady; Mandhana struck 57 off 38 balls, peppered with six fours and two sixes. She was supported by Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a brisk 32. The total settled at 138/5 after 20 overs – a competitive score on a batting‑friendly pitch.
West Indies Women began their chase with a clear game plan: steady start, accelerate in the middle. Hayley Matthews opened the innings and smashed 68 off just 38 deliveries, anchoring a 92‑run partnership with Stafanie Taylor (21*). The required run‑rate never crept above 6.5 per over, and the West Indies side reached the target with nine wickets in hand and 2.4 overs to spare.
Key statistics and figures
- India Women – 138/5 (20 overs)
- West Indies Women – 139/1 (17.2 overs)
- Top scorer: Hayley Matthews – 68 (38 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes)
- Best Indian bowler: Renuka Singh Thakur – 2‑0‑4‑0
- Extras for India: 6 wides, no leg‑byes or no‑balls
Quotes from the locker rooms
After the win, Matthews beamed, "We stuck to the plan, played our natural game and the pitch rewarded us. Smriti’s fight was great, but today it was our turn to shine."
India’s vice‑captain Mandhana, visibly disappointed yet composed, said, "I’m proud of the effort. We’ll take the lessons into the final match and aim to finish the series strong."
Reactions from officials and analysts
Match referee Vengalil Narayanan Kutty praised the quality of women's cricket, noting that the game’s intensity "mirrors the best of the men’s format and deserves broader viewership."
Cricket analyst Anita Mehta highlighted the strategic shift: "West Indies adapted quickly to Indian conditions, using their powerplay wisely and letting Matthews dictate the tempo. India's batting depth was there, but they fell short on the death overs."
Why this win matters
Leveling the series does more than set up a winner‑takes‑all decider; it signals a shift in the power balance of women’s T20 cricket. The Caribbean side had previously been on the back foot in big tournaments – remember the 60‑run loss in the 2022‑23 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Now, beating a strong Indian side on home ground hints at a closing gap.
Both boards – the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) – have been pouring resources into the women’s game. Higher viewership on platforms like Jio Cinema and broadcast on Sports 18 underscores the commercial upside.
What’s next for the series?
The third and final T20I is slated for December 19 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Both teams will likely fine‑tune their line‑ups; India may bring in a specialist finisher, while West Indies could promote another all‑rounder to maintain the momentum.
If West Indies clinch the decider, they’ll take the series 2‑1, marking a historic win on Indian soil. A loss, however, would see India bounce back, preserving their home advantage and bolstering confidence ahead of the upcoming ICC events.
Historical backdrop
This series is the first bilateral clash between the two sides in India since the 2021‑22 season. In that encounter, India posted a massive 217/4, and the West Indies were bundled out for 157. The contrast this time around is stark – a sign of how rapidly the women's game evolves.
Earlier, during the 2023 Women’s T20I Tri‑Series in South Africa, the two teams exchanged blows in the powerplay, with India averaging 6.2 runs per over and the West Indies 4.2. The current match shows the Caribbean side’s ability to close that gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect the ICC Women's T20 rankings?
Both teams earned two rank points from the series tie, but West Indies' win in the second match boosts their net run rate, nudging them a few spots higher. India remains in the top three, yet the margin is slimmer, meaning the upcoming third T20I could tip the balance.
Who were the standout performers for West Indies?
Hayley Matthews, with a blistering 68, was the clear hero. Stafanie Taylor’s unbeaten 21 helped steady the chase, and fast bowler Shamilia Connell, who claimed 2‑1‑12‑1, provided the early breakthroughs that set the platform.
What did Smriti Mandhana say about her innings?
Mandhana noted, "I tried to give the team a solid start. The boundaries weren’t coming as easily as I’d hoped, but I’m happy with the tempo. We’ll regroup and aim to finish the series on a high note."
When and where is the final match of the series?
The decisive third T20I is scheduled for December 19, 2024, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Kick‑off is set for 7:00 pm IST, with live streaming on Jio Cinema and broadcast on Sports 18.
What does this series indicate about the growth of women's cricket in India?
Attendance topped 12,000 on the day, and viewership on digital platforms surged 35 % compared with the first T20I. The competitive balance, higher stakes, and increasing fan engagement suggest that women’s cricket is moving from a niche sport to a mainstream attraction in India.
