India Triumphs Over West Indies in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Match

In a promising start to their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 preparations, India defeated West Indies by 26 runs in Cardiff. With standout performances from Bharti Fulmali and Smriti Mandhana, India set a challenging target of 179 runs. The bowlers, led by Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil, effectively restricted the West Indies to 153 runs. This match not only highlights India's strong form but also sets the tone for the upcoming tournament. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 8, 2026, 22:35 IST

India's Strong Start in T20 World Cup Preparations

India kicked off their preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 with an impressive 26-run win against West Indies during their first warm-up match held in Cardiff on Monday.

Building on their recent success at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, the Indian squad showcased a dominant all-round performance, making a significant early impression.

Fulmali and Mandhana Shine as India Sets a Challenging Target

With a half-century from Bharti Fulmali, India managed to score 179 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. In response, West Indies could only reach 153 runs for 8 wickets.

After being asked to bat first, Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma (who scored 29) provided a rapid start, establishing a solid foundation for the innings.

The West Indies bowlers struggled initially, often missing their lines, which Mandhana capitalized on, scoring 39 runs off just 23 balls, including eight boundaries.

Aaliyah Alleyne ended the 59-run opening partnership by dismissing Mandhana, who mistimed a shot to mid-on. India finished the power play at 70-1, maintaining momentum despite losing three quick wickets.

Yastika Bhatia and Bharti Fulmali then steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bhatia scored a confident 36 off 26 balls before being retired to allow other players more time in the match.

However, this decision seemed to disrupt India's flow, leading to the quick dismissals of Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav in the following over.

Fulmali anchored the innings with a well-crafted unbeaten 56 runs off 40 balls, featuring six fours and one six, ensuring India posted a formidable total.

Afy Fletcher was the standout bowler for West Indies, taking 4 wickets for 23 runs in her four overs.

Yadav and Patil Lead the Bowling Attack Against West Indies

While West Indies opted to use nine bowlers, India primarily relied on their leading bowlers to secure a winning start in the warm-up match.

The West Indies struggled against India's slower bowlers, with Shreyanka Patil (4 wickets for 36 runs) and Radha Yadav (3 wickets for 25 runs) claiming all the wickets, while Shemaine Campbelle was retired out.

In their chase of a challenging target, Deandra Dottin and Campbelle initially formed a solid opening partnership of 63 runs for the first wicket. However, they only managed to score 37 runs during the power play, putting them behind the required run rate.

Similar to India's innings, the loss of Campbelle triggered a collapse, and West Indies found themselves at 103 for 6.

Dottin narrowly missed a half-century, getting out for 49 runs off 41 balls.

Despite some late fireworks from Aaliyah Alleyne and Shawnisha Hector, West Indies ultimately fell short of India's total.