“Hayley Matthews’ Heroics Lead West Indies to Series-Levelling Victory Over India”

West Indies Thrash India to Level the T20I Series

In a power-packed display, Hayley Matthews led the charge with an unbeaten 85 off 47 balls, as the West Indies secured a dominant nine-wicket win over India. The victory not only broke West Indies’ losing streak but also showcased their batting firepower and resilience in the second T20I of the series.

Despite a strong 62-run knock from India’s stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, India’s total of 159 for 9 fell well short as Matthews and her opening partner Qiana Joseph made easy work of the chase.

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Key Highlights: How West Indies Outplayed India

1. Early Setbacks for India

India’s innings started on shaky ground after an impressive spell of bowling from Deandra Dottin and Afy Fletcher:

• Uma Chetry was bowled early for 4 after Dottin’s precise in-ducker.
• Debutant Raghvi Bist fell LBW for 5, unable to handle Fletcher’s spin.
• Jemimah Rodrigues was dismissed cheaply, leaving India at 48 for 3 in the ninth over.

India’s inexperienced top order struggled against West Indies’ disciplined attack.

2. Mandhana’s Knock and Dropped Chances

West Indies’ fielding was far from perfect, gifting Smriti Mandhana multiple lives:

• Mandhana was dropped three times—two of those misses by Chinelle Henry—allowing her to score a fighting 62 off 37 balls.
• Between overs 12-14, India cashed in, hitting six boundaries and a six to add 36 runs.

However, Mandhana’s luck ran out, and wickets began falling quickly.

3. Deandra Dottin’s Magic with Ball and Fielding

Just when India looked to accelerate, Deandra Dottin stepped up:

• Dottin bowled brilliantly, finishing with figures of 2-14.
• Her athletic catch on the boundary in the final over, covering 20 yards to dismiss Radha Yadav, was one of the game’s standout moments.

Dottin’s all-round brilliance ensured India couldn’t post a match-winning total.

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West Indies’ Chase: Matthews and Joseph Dominate

1. Qiana Joseph Sets the Tempo

After dropping a catch earlier, Qiana Joseph made amends with an aggressive start to the chase:

• In the second over, Joseph smashed 18 runs off rookie bowler Titas Sadhu.
• She partnered Matthews for a brisk 66-run stand before being dismissed for 38.

Joseph’s clean hitting laid a perfect platform for the chase.

2. Hayley Matthews’ Captain’s Knock

With the groundwork laid, skipper Hayley Matthews took full control of the innings:

• Matthews reached her 50 off just 31 balls, showcasing classy stroke play with 17 fours in total.
• In the 13th over, Matthews tore into Radha Yadav, hitting four consecutive boundaries.

By the time West Indies matched India’s boundary count of 21, the result was inevitable. Matthews finished unbeaten on 85, sealing the victory in emphatic fashion.

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Why This Win Matters for West Indies

1. Breaking the Losing Streak:
   The win snapped a run of nine consecutive losses to India in T20Is, boosting the team’s morale.
2. Matthews’ Leadership:
   Hayley Matthews’ all-round skills and aggressive mindset showed why she’s one of the most influential captains in women’s cricket.
3. Tactical Brilliance:
   Despite some sloppy fielding, the team’s sharp bowling and calculated chase proved their ability to bounce back under pressure.

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What’s Next for India and West Indies?

• India will need to regroup quickly, focusing on fielding and top-order consistency.
• West Indies, on the other hand, will look to carry forward their confidence into the decider and seal the series.

With Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin in top form, the final match promises to be another exciting showdown.

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FAQs – West Indies vs India T20I Series

Q1: How did Hayley Matthews perform in the match?
A: Hayley Matthews scored an unbeaten 85 off 47 balls, leading West Indies to a nine-wicket win.

Q2: What was the turning point in the game?
A: The opening partnership of 66 runs and Matthews’ dominant batting ensured West Indies’ victory.

Q3: How did Deandra Dottin impact the match?
A: Dottin’s figures of 2-14 with the ball and her spectacular boundary catch in the final over were crucial for West Indies.

Q4: What went wrong for India?
A: India’s top-order collapse, coupled with dropped catches and inconsistent bowling, cost them the match.

Q5: How many boundaries did Hayley Matthews hit?
A: Matthews smashed 17 fours during her match-winning knock.