India Secures 26-Run Victory Over West Indies in Women's T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up

India Triumphs in Warm-Up Match

In a warm-up match for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026, India emerged victorious against West Indies by 26 runs, showcasing strong performances from spinners Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav. Bharti Fulmali's impressive half-century was a highlight, although the middle order displayed some weaknesses despite a solid start.

Match Overview

The match took place at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on June 8, marking India's first warm-up game before the tournament kicks off on June 14 in England and Wales. India set a competitive total of 179/8, while they restricted the West Indies to 153/8.

Bowling Highlights

Shreyanka Patil led the bowling attack with impressive figures of 4 wickets for 36 runs, maintaining an economy rate of 9.00 over four overs. Radha Yadav also contributed significantly, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs at an economy rate of 6.20.

Key Takeaways from the Match

1. The opening partnership between vice-captain Smriti Mandhana (39) and Shafali Varma (29) was crucial, as they provided a rapid start, reaching 59 runs without loss in just over five overs.

2. Mandhana's strike rate was an impressive 169.57, while Shafali's was even higher at 223.08, setting a strong foundation for the innings.

3. Bharti Fulmali's performance was noteworthy; she scored 56 runs off 40 balls, including 6 fours and a six, after coming in at a critical moment.

Middle Order Concerns

Despite the victory, India's middle order raised concerns. Following a promising partnership, the team lost three wickets for just 16 runs, indicating a potential vulnerability in their batting lineup.

The quick dismissals of key players like Richa Ghosh and Radha Yadav highlighted the need for a more consistent middle-order strategy.

Spin Bowlers Shine

The Indian spin bowlers played a pivotal role in the match, particularly after the West Indies had a strong start with a 63-run partnership between Deandra Dottin (49) and Shemaine Campbelle (25).

Once Campbelle was dismissed, the West Indies collapsed from 63/1 to 113/7, losing six wickets for just 50 runs as the Indian spinners took control.

Pitch Conditions

The pitch at Sophia Gardens, known for being batting-friendly, provided a balanced contest for spinners, allowing them to exploit the conditions effectively.