Smriti, Harmanpreet score half-centuries as India thrash Windies

East London (South Africa), Jan 24: Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur cracked fine unbeaten half-centuries as India defeated West Indies by 56 runs to keep their slate clean in the Women’s T20I Tri-Series here.
India, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were off to a good start and managed 167 for two in 20 overs. They then restricted the opponents to 111 for four to eke out their second consecutive win of the series.
Openers Yastika Bhatia and Mandhana stitched together a 33-run partnership before the former was dismissed by off-spinner Karishma Ramharack for 18 with just one delivery remaining in power play.
Her dismissal brought in Harleen Deol but her stay at the crease didn’t last long, as she was trapped in front while trying to flick the ball on the off-side from pacer Shanika Bruce.
At 52 for two, there were some tense moments but once Mandhana and Harmanpreet paired up, boundaries flowed freely.
Harmanpreet, who was back leading the side after missing the opening match of the tri-series reportedly due to illness, was on song as she smashed a 35-ball 51 studded with eight boundaries.
A target of 167 was always going to be a difficult chase and India spinners led by Radha Yadav throttled the runs, giving away precious little by way of loose deliveries. She gave away just 10 runs in her four overs while also taking the wicket of Shemaine Campbelle (47).
By the time Campbelle was dismissed, the match was as good as lost for West Indies as they were 96 for four with just 15 deliveries remaining. (PTI)