Tue Dec 17 13:30:18 UTC 2024: **India Sets New T20I High Score Against West Indies**
Navi Mumbai, India – Jemimah Rodrigues’ blazing 73 and Smriti Mandhana’s stylish 54 propelled India to a commanding 195/4 against the West Indies in the first T20I of their three-match series on Sunday. This score marks India’s highest-ever T20I total against the West Indies, surpassing their previous best of 185/4 achieved in November 2019.
Rodrigues’ 73 came off just 35 balls, an innings studded with nine fours and two sixes, showcasing her impressive form. Mandhana, who recently scored 105 runs in a one-day international against Australia, continued her stellar run, smashing her 28th T20I half-century and sixth of the year. Her 54 included seven fours and two sixes from 33 deliveries, pushing her 2023 run tally past 600 and securing her fourth place in the ranking of leading run-scorers in Women’s T20Is in 2024.
The duo shared an 81-run partnership for the second wicket, laying a strong foundation for India’s innings. While Karishma Ramharack (2/18) eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Mandhana, Ramharack remained the most successful bowler for the West Indies. Richa Ghosh also contributed a quickfire 20 before being caught spectacularly.
India’s opening pair of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana provided a brisk start, accumulating 50 runs in the first seven overs. However, Verma (24) was fortunate to survive an early dropped catch, ultimately falling short of capitalizing on her good start.
This convincing victory sets the stage for an exciting series between the two teams.
First Piper 