India Women to clash with West Indies Women in third T20I [Source: @BCCIWomen/X.com]
With the three-game series on the line, India Women is set to clash with West Indies Women in the third T20I on December 19. The series decider will be held at DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai from 7.00 PM IST.
India Women
India dominated the first T20I, winning by 49 runs after posting an imposing 195/4. Scintillating half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues set the stage for a comprehensive victory. However, the second match saw the hosts falter, as the West Indies bowlers restricted them to 159/9 in their 20 overs. West Indies captain Hayley Matthews emerged as the star of the second game. Her all-round brilliance, including two wickets and a stunning unbeaten 85 off just 47 balls, turned the game in favour of the Caribbean side. The second T20I loss levelled the series 1-1.
West Indies Women
After a comprehensive defeat in the first T20I, West Indies Women bounced back admirably to level the series in the second game. However, consistency remains a concern as they head into the finale. The middle-order contributions of Deandra Dottin and Qiana Joseph in the second match were commendable and will serve as a confidence booster for the team. Captain Hayley Matthews has been the standout performer, delivering with both bat and ball, but the Caribbean side needs other players to step up if they are to outclass India in the final showdown.
IN-W vs WI-W Head-to-head record in T20Is
Matches Played | India Women Won | West Indies Won | No Result |
---|---|---|---|
21 | 13 | 8 | 0 |
How will the DY Patil Stadium pitch behave?
The pitch at Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy has proven to be a good one for batting in the first two games of the series. The surface offers a decent amount of bounce, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, which has led to high-scoring encounters so far.
As we approach the decisive third T20I, captains winning the toss might be inclined to bowl first, as chasing a target under the lights has shown to be a more favourable option. The dew factor could play a role in the second innings, making it easier for the chasing team, but the team batting first will still aim to put up a competitive total to put pressure on the opposition.
IN-W vs WI-W: Players to watch out for 3rd T20I
India Women
Smriti Mandhana: Smriti Mandhana has been in sensational form throughout the series, emerging as the leading run-scorer with two vital half-centuries in the first two T20Is. With Shafali Verma absent for this crucial encounter, Mandhana's role as an opener becomes even more significant.
Deepti Sharma: With the ball, Deepti Sharma has already been proven to be a great asset. The first T20I is where she did impressively well by picking 2/21 off four overs. The off-spinner's accuracy and ability to break partnerships make her a crucial weapon for India.
Harmanpreet Kaur: Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian captain, has been an anchor in the middle order with her excellent batting skills. Moreover, her power-hitting abilities have allowed India to accelerate in the latter stages of the innings, making her a key player in this series.
Renuka Singh: The brightest bowling star for India so far has been Renuka Singh, with 14 wickets in 10 matches. Being India's spearhead, breaking the key partnerships and the threat of bowling in death overs makes her a massive danger to the opposing teams.
West Indies Women
Hayley Matthews: West Indies captain Hayley Matthews is a dynamic all-rounder whose contributions in both batting and bowling provide crucial stability to her team. She has been in sublime form in this series and is likely to extend her form in the series finale as well.
Deandra Dottin: Deandra Dottin played a match-defining knock of 52 runs in the first game to show her flair. Her experience and aggressive approach make her a constant threat in the middle order for the West Indies, and she will be a key player in the series decider.
Afy Fletcher: Afy Fletcher is a vital bowler for the West Indies, with her clever spin and deceptive variations. With 21 wickets in recent matches, she has proven to be a big threat to opposition batters.
Karishma Ramharak: Karishma Ramharak's off-spin bowling will play a significant role in containing India's formidable batting lineup. Her ability to keep the runs in check and provide breakthroughs in the middle overs will be essential for the West Indies.
Today’s Match Prediction: IN-W vs WI-W 3rd T20I
Predicted Top Performers
India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma
West Indies Women: Hayley Matthew, Afy Fletcher, Deandra Dottin
IN-W vs WI-W 3rd T20I: Predicted Score
Prediction first innings score: 160-170 runs
Predicted second innings score: 180-190 runs