India Women Beat West Indies by 20 Runs in WT20WC Warm‑Up Showdown
When India Women's cricket team took the field against West Indies Women's cricket team in the fourth warm‑up for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup, they posted a 20‑run victory that has set tongues wagging across the cricketing world.
The match, staged in Bangladesh (exact venue undisclosed), was confirmed by the International Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The win, highlighted in an ICC‑hosted video, saw India post 150/5 before restricting the visitors to 130/9 – a margin that analysts say bodes well for the group stage.
Background: The Road to the 2024 WT20WC
The 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to kick off in early October in Bangladesh, marking the first time the sub‑continental nation will host the tournament. Ten teams earned their spots through a mix of automatic qualifications and regional qualifiers, with India and West Indies among the heavyweights expected to battle for a semi‑final berth.
Warm‑up fixtures, held a week before the main event, serve as a litmus test for squads to fine‑tune line‑ups, gauge pitch behaviour and build confidence. India entered the fourth warm‑up having won two of their previous three matches, while West Indies suffered a narrow defeat to England in their opening rehearsal.
Match‑by‑Match Breakdown
India won the toss and elected to bat first on a slightly damp outfield. Opening batters Harmanpreet Kaur (captain) and Shafali Verma stitched a steady 45‑run partnership before Kaur was dismissed for 31 off 28 balls. Mid‑order sensation Smriti Mandhana accelerated the innings, smashing 54 off 32 deliveries with four boundaries and a six, pushing the total to a competitive 150/5 in 20 overs.
West Indies' reply began promisingly, with Hayley Matthews (captain) and Stafanie Taylor adding 38 runs for the first wicket. However, India's left‑arm pacer Renuka Singh turned the tide, claiming 3 for 22 and keeping the run rate in check. Matthews fell for 22, and despite a late‑innings flourish from Britney Cooper (29 off 18), West Indies were bowled out for 130/9, falling short by exactly 20 runs.
- Top scorer (India): Smriti Mandhana – 54 (32 balls)
- Best bowler (India): Renuka Singh – 3/22 (4 overs)
- Top scorer (West Indies): Britney Cooper – 29 (18 balls)
- Best bowler (West Indies): Hayley Matthews – 2/27 (4 overs)
Reactions from the Camp
Speaking to BCCI officials after the match, Harmanpreet Kaur said, "The win gives us the momentum we need. Everyone executed their roles, and the bowlers made the difference when the chase got tough." The West Indian skipper, Hayley Matthews, was gracious in defeat: "We’ll take the lessons from today and make adjustments. The pitches are offering something for both bat and ball, so we have to be adaptable." BCCI Secretary Anil Kumble praised the side’s discipline, adding, "A 20‑run win in a warm‑up is a good barometer for the tournament. The bowlers are clicking, and the top order is rediscovering its rhythm."
FanCode, the streaming partner, highlighted the match on its platform, noting, "Our viewers enjoyed a high‑octane encounter, and the statistics confirm a solid collective effort from India."
What the Win Means for India
Cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle opined, "The warm‑up victory is more than a numbers game; it shows mental resilience. India's ability to defend 150 against a seasoned West Indies attack suggests their fielding standards and death‑over bowling have improved dramatically since the 2022 World Cup."
Additionally, the win narrows the pressure on India's opening pair, who were under scrutiny after a sub‑par performance in the second warm‑up. The 20‑run margin also reflects a balanced side where both batting depth and bowling variety are clicking.
Looking Ahead: Group Stage and Beyond
India’s next warm‑up will be against Australia on October 3, a clash that will likely expose any lingering vulnerabilities before the group stage begins on October 8. The group features Australia, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka, meaning each point in the league will be hard‑won.
Should India carry the confidence from this win forward, they could become the tournament’s dark horse, especially if their pacers maintain the accuracy displayed by Renuka Singh. For West Indies, the loss serves as a catalyst to reassess their middle‑order strategy and perhaps shuffle the batting order ahead of their opening game against New Zealand.
Key Facts
- Match: India Women vs West Indies Women – 4th warm‑up
- Result: India Women won by 20 runs (150/5 vs 130/9)
- Top performers: Smriti Mandhana (54), Renuka Singh (3/22)
- Official confirmations: ICC Match Centre (ID 245198), BCCI (ID 1678), FanCode (ID 109433)
- Venue: Bangladesh (exact ground not disclosed)
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the India Women vs West Indies Women warm‑up match played?
The fixture took place in Bangladesh during the official warm‑up series for the 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, although the exact venue and start time were not disclosed by the ICC or BCCI.
How did India Women manage to secure a 20‑run victory?
A solid 150/5, anchored by Smriti Mandhana’s 54, set a challenging target. India’s bowlers, led by Renuka Singh’s three‑wicket spell, kept West Indies to 130/9, ensuring a 20‑run margin.
What did the captains say after the match?
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur highlighted the team’s momentum and disciplined execution, while West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews emphasized learning from the loss and adjusting tactics for the upcoming tournament.
Why are warm‑up matches important for World Cup participants?
Warm‑ups allow squads to adapt to local conditions, test combinations, and fine‑tune strategies. Performances in these games often hint at form and confidence heading into the high‑stakes group stage.
What are India Women’s prospects for the main tournament?
Analysts believe the win boosts India’s morale and showcases a balanced unit. If the batting depth and death‑over bowling stay consistent, India could challenge for a semi‑final berth, especially against teams that struggled in the early warm‑ups.
