IND-W vs WI-W: The excitement is palpable as India Women gear up to host West Indies Women in the opening game of a three-match T20I series at the Dr. DY Patil University Sports Ground, Navi Mumbai. After enduring a 3-0 ODI series loss to Australia, the Women in Blue are determined to bounce back and regain momentum. Meanwhile, the West Indies Women, returning to international cricket after their ICC T20 World Cup semi-final exit, are eager to make a strong statement despite the absence of key players like Stafanie Taylor.

This matchup offers a fascinating clash of styles, with India’s batting firepower facing off against West Indies’ all-round unpredictability.

Pitch Report

The DY Patil Stadium surface is generally favorable for batting, with consistent bounce and carry. While seamers may find some movement early on, it’s a venue where batters can dominate if they get their eye in. A par score at this ground is expected to be around 160-170 in T20s.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 21
• India Wins: 13
• West Indies Wins: 8
• Win Percentage: India 61.9%, West Indies 38.1%

India have won their last five encounters against West Indies, which gives them a psychological edge going into the series.

Form Guide (Last 5 Matches)

India Women: L, L, W, W, L

• Recent struggles against top-tier teams highlight their inconsistency under pressure.

West Indies Women: L, W, W, W, L

• A mix of strong performances and setbacks, but their lack of recent match practice could be a concern.

Last 5 Meetings

1. 15 Feb 2023: India won by 6 wickets (11 balls remaining)
2. 30 Jan 2023: India won by 8 wickets (37 balls remaining)
3. 23 Jan 2023: India won by 56 runs
4. 21 Nov 2019: India won by 61 runs
5. 17 Nov 2019: India won by 5 runs

India have dominated West Indies in recent years, winning comfortably in most games.

Key Players to Watch

India Women

• Smriti Mandhana: The stylish opener is in fine form, with her recent century against Australia underlining her class.
• Harmanpreet Kaur: The skipper will look to lead from the front with her power-hitting and tactical acumen.
• Deepti Sharma: India’s most reliable all-rounder, capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
• Renuka Singh Thakur: A standout performer with the ball, especially with her ability to swing it in the powerplay.

West Indies Women

• Hayley Matthews: The captain is a proven match-winner with her all-round skills and will be key to West Indies’ chances.
• Deandra Dottin: One of the most destructive batters in women’s cricket, capable of single-handedly turning games.
• Afy Fletcher: The experienced spinner has been among the wickets and will look to exploit the conditions.
• Karishma Ramharack: A reliable bowling option, known for her tight lines and clever variations.

IND-W vs WI-W Lineups

India Women:
Smriti Mandhana, Nandini Kashyap, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur, Minnu Mani, Priya Mishra, Saima Thakor

West Indies Women:
Hayley Matthews (c), Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (vc), Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Zaida James, Shamilia Connell, Rashada Williams (wk)

IND-W vs WI-W Prediction

India Women enter the series as favorites, given their superior head-to-head record and home advantage. The presence of match-winners like Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, coupled with West Indies’ lack of recent match practice, tilts the balance in India’s favor. However, the visitors are capable of pulling off surprises, especially if Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin find form.

Prediction: India to win, but West Indies could push them hard if their senior players step up.

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