Matthews powers WI to dominant victory to level T20 series

NAVI MUMBAI, India (CMC):

A magnificent unbeaten 85 from skipper Hayley Matthews carried the West Indies to a commanding nine-wicket victory over India in the second T20I, emphatically levelling the series at a game apiece here yesterday.

Chasing a target of 160, the West Indies cruised to the win with 26 balls to spare and in the process snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Indians.

India, who had posted a formidable total in the series opener, struggled this time around. Opener Uma Chetry went early for four, and Jemimah Rodrigues, the hero of the first game, endured a scratchy knock before being trapped leg before wicket by Matthews for 13 in the final over of the power play. With debutant Raghvi Bist departing cheaply for five, India found themselves in trouble at 48-3 in the ninth over.

Smriti Mandhana shouldered the burden of accelerating the innings, and despite being dropped twice, she went on to top score with 62 from 41 balls with nine fours and a six. The opener added 56 valuable runs for the fourth wicket with Deepti Sharma, who chipped in with 17 runs.

India’s innings faltered in the death overs, despite a boundary-laden 32 from 17 balls from wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh. Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Matthews and Afy Fletcher took two wickets each.

West Indies began their chase in explosive fashion, with Qiana Joseph smashing three fours and a six off Titas Sadhu in the second over.

Matthews followed suit, taking Renuka Thakur to task in the very next over. The duo racked up 65 runs during the powerplay, effectively putting India on the back foot.

Though Joseph was dismissed after top-edging Saima Thakor for 38, Matthews continued her onslaught. Vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle (29 not out) joined in with three consecutive boundaries off Sadhu, as the Guyanese played a supporting role as Matthews took control. By the halfway mark, West Indies had already amassed 94 runs, leaving India with an insurmountable task.

Matthews brought up her half-century with four consecutive boundaries off Radha Yadav and sealed the deal by attacking Thakor for three more.

Her stunning unbeaten knock ensured West Indies wrapped up the chase in the 16th over, securing a comprehensive victory and setting up an exciting series decider on Thursday.