Preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup have kicked into high gear for the West Indies, who played the first of two warm-up matches ahead of the tournament in England on Monday. The Maroon Warriors stumbled against India, falling by 26 runs at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales.
Indian captain Smriti Mandhana gave her side a blistering start, smashing 39 runs off just 13 balls, including eight boundaries. Bharti Fulmali anchored the innings with 56 from 40 deliveries, while Yastika Bhatia added 36. Together, they propelled India to 179-8. Afy Fletcher impressed with the ball, claiming 4-23. Aaliyah Alleyne and Deandra Dottin chipped in with a wicket apiece.
In reply, the West Indies managed only 153. Dottin top‑scored with 49 from 44 balls, while her opening partner Shemaine Campbelle retired on 25. Beyond that, the batting faltered. India’s spinners dominated, with Shreyanka Patil (4-36) and Radha Yadav (3-25) sharing seven wickets between them.
Despite the loss, the Maroon Warriors showed signs of strength in their World Cup preparations. They recently lifted the 2026 Evara International Tri‑Series trophy in Dublin after dominant wins over Ireland and Pakistan. Head Coach Shane Deitz said the squad was “in a good place going into the World Cup” following that performance.
The West Indies will look for a stronger showing in their second warm-up fixture against Australia at the same venue on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Eastern Caribbean time, before opening their group stage campaign against New Zealand on June 13.
During the tournament, the Windies will lean on the experience of captain Hayley Matthews, former skipper Stafanie Taylor, and powerhouse performer Deandra Dottin. They will also hope the youthful energy of players such as Zaida James and Qiana Joseph can combine with the veterans to deliver World Cup glory for a second time.
