Women’s T20 World Cup: Jemimah Rodrigues, bowlers set up India’s win

Jemimah Rodrigues struck a crucial fifty as India secured a comprehensive 20-run victory against West Indies in a warm-up game ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup here on Sunday.

Rodrigues anchored India’s innings with a steady 40-ball 52, including five boundaries, as they posted 141/8 in their allotted 20 overs after being reduced to 23/3 in the powerplay. Yastika Bhatia chipped in with a handy 25-ball 24, which featured a four and a six, while opener Smriti Mandhana (14) and Deepti Sharma (13) also made useful contributions.

For West Indies, skipper Hayley Matthews was the standout bowler, claiming 4/17 in her four overs. Chinelle Henry (1/11) and Ashmini Munisar (1/33) picked up a wicket each.

In response, West Indies could manage just 121/8 in their stipulated 20 overs, with Chinelle Henry top-scoring with an unbeaten 59 off 48 balls. Shemaine Campbelle (20) and Afy Fletcher (21) tried to stabilise the innings but couldn’t see their team through.

India’s bowling unit worked in tandem, with Pooja Vastrakar taking three wickets and Deepti (2/11) grabbing two wickets. Renuka Singh (1/15), Asha Sobhana (1/7), and Radha Yadav (1/24) chipped in with a wicket apiece.

In another practice match, defending champions Australia defeated England by 33 runs. Opener Beth Mooney struck a 30-ball 50, while Tahlia McGrath (31) and Ash Gardner (21) chipped in with useful contributions as Australia made 162/6.

McGrath (3/18) then took three wickets to help her team bowl out England for 129 in 19.4 overs. Sophie Molineux picked up two wickets for 27 runs. Alice Capsey (40) was the top scorer for England.

The T20 World Cup is set to begin on October 3, with India taking on New Zealand in their opening match on October 4.

Brief scores: India: 141/8 in 20 overs (Rodrigues 52; Matthews 4/17); West Indies: 121/8 in 20 overs (Henry 59*; Vastrakar 3/20).