Women's T20 World Cup: India seal comfortable 26-run win over West Indies in warm-up fixture
Hayley Matthews, Smriti Mandhana (Source: X/@ICC)
Published - 08 Jun 2026, 08:12 PM• Read time - 2 mins
The Indian women’s cricket team began their T20 World Cup preparations in style with a 26-run victory in the first warm-up match against West Indies women on Monday, June 8, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. After being put in to bat first, India posted a good score of 179/8, riding on a brilliant half-century from Bharti Fulmali (56* off 40).
Apart from her, Smriti Mandhana (39 off 23) and Yastika Bhatia (36 off 26) also made valuable contributions. In reply, West Indies women were restricted to 153/8 in their allotted 20 overs, with only Deandra Dottin (49 off 44) showing some resistance against the Indian bowlers.
Shreyanka Patil (4/36) spun a web around the West Indies batters, with a four-wicket haul, while Radha Yadav (3/25) also chipped in with three wickets. Earlier in the day, India got off to a good start with the bat, as Shafali Verma (29 off 13) and Mandhana added 59 runs for the first wicket off 32 balls.
Following their dismissals, Jemimah Rodrigues (7 off 7) also departed cheaply, leaving India on 85/3 in eight overs. Another 61-run stand off 44 balls between Bharti Fulmali and Yastika Bhatia for the fourth wicket brought India in the driver’s seat.
Despite being in a strong position, India again failed to finish well, losing five wickets in the last five overs and scoring just 34 runs. Afy Fletcher (4/23) picked up a four-wicket haul for the West Indies. In the second innings, they got off to a decent start with Shemaine Campbell (25 off 22) and Dottin stitching a 63-run opening stand off 54 balls.
India to take on England next
However, West Indies failed to keep up with the required run rate and capitulated under pressure. Meanwhile, following their victory, India will play another warm-up game against England on June 10 at County Ground, Derby.
On the other hand, West Indies will take on Australia in the last warm-up match on the same day at the same venue. The Women in Blue will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
