India scripted history at the DY Patil Stadium as Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh powered the hosts to their highest-ever total in T20I cricket. The team scored a mammoth 217/4 against West Indies in the decider of the three-match T20I series, surpassing their previous record of 201/5 set against UAE during the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup.
India’s Resilience After Setback
Coming into the final match after losing the second T20I, India had everything to play for. Stand-in skipper Smriti Mandhana led the side in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, who was ruled out with an injury sustained in the first game. With an unchanged lineup, India was once again put in to bat first, a situation they had faced throughout the series.
A Rocky Start
India’s innings started shakily as Uma Chetry fell in the very first over, dismissed by Chinelle Henry. However, Jemimah Rodrigues stepped in at No. 3 to steady the ship alongside Mandhana. The fourth over turned the tide as Mandhana took charge, smashing 20 runs, igniting momentum for the hosts.
Smriti Mandhana Leads from the Front
Mandhana, showcasing her sublime form, brought up her third consecutive fifty of the series in just 27 balls. Her innings was a blend of precision and aggression, finding boundaries with ease. The skipper shared a crucial 98-run partnership with Rodrigues, who chipped in with a steady 39, ensuring a solid platform for the middle order.
After Rodrigues departed, debutant Raghvi Bist joined Mandhana at the crease. Together, they added 44 runs before Mandhana’s stellar knock of 77 came to an end. Her innings included 13 boundaries and a six, played at an impressive strike rate of 163.
Richa Ghosh Records Fastest Fifty by an Indian in Women’s T20Is
Richa Ghosh walked in at No. 5 with the sole purpose of finishing the innings on a high—and she did so with style. Starting her innings with a six over long-off, Ghosh wasted no time in asserting her dominance. She smashed a blistering 50 off just 18 balls, equaling the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is.
Ghosh’s innings, studded with three boundaries and five towering sixes, was a masterclass in power-hitting. Her strike rate of 257 left the Windies bowlers helpless during the slog overs. Ghosh and Bist added 70 quick runs for the fourth wicket, taking India past the 200-run mark.
Raghvi Bist’s Composed Knock
Raghvi Bist, playing in only her second T20I, showed remarkable composure during her unbeaten knock of 31. She provided stability during the late overs and capped off the innings with a boundary on the final ball, taking India to a record-breaking 217/4.
India Records Highest ever Women’s T20I Totals
Here’s a look at India’s highest totals in women’s T20I cricket:
| Total | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 217/4 | WI W | December 2024 | DY Patil Stadium |
| 201/5 | UAE W | July 2024 | Women’s Asia Cup |
| 198/4 | ENG W | March 2018 | Brabourne Stadium |
| 195/4 | WI W | December 2024 | DY Patil Stadium |
| 194/5 | NZ W | November 2018 | Wellington |
A Memorable Victory
India’s innings was not just a display of individual brilliance but a collective effort that highlighted the depth of the squad. The record-breaking total of 217 is now a benchmark for the team as they continue to dominate in T20I cricket.
FAQs
1. What is India’s highest total in women’s T20Is?
India’s highest total in women’s T20Is is 217/4, achieved against West Indies in December 2024.
2. Who scored the fastest fifty in the third T20I?
Richa Ghosh scored the fastest fifty of the match off just 18 balls, equaling the record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is.
3. How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score in the third T20I?
Smriti Mandhana scored a brilliant 77 off 46 balls, including 13 boundaries and one six.
4. What was Raghvi Bist’s contribution to India’s innings?
Raghvi Bist remained unbeaten on 31 and played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings during the late overs.
5. Against whom did India score their previous highest total in T20Is?
India’s previous highest total in T20Is was 201/5, scored against UAE in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup.
Loves all things female cricket
