Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: India beats West Indies by 20 runs in warm-up match; Australia, New Zealand register wins

A flamboyant fifty from Jemimah Rodrigues and a clinical bowling performance helped India beat West Indies by 20 runs in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up game in Dubai on Sunday.

The Indian women’s team in action against West Indies during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. | Photo Credit: BCCI/X

A flamboyant fifty from Jemimah Rodrigues and a clinical bowling performance helped India beat West Indies by 20 runs in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up game at the ICCA 2 Ground in Dubai on Sunday.

After being asked to bat, the Indians found themselves in trouble when Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana fell early.

Hayley Matthews (4/17) took two of those wickets, leaving India struggling at 23 for three.

But Jemimah and Yastika Bhatia (24) responded by putting on 50 runs before Matthews removed the latter.

Jemimah continued to build the foundation of India’s innings, eventually falling for 52 when she was run out, as India ended up making 141 for eight.

The Windies endured a torrid start, slipping to 13 for three, which included a five-ball duck for Matthews.

They responded through Shemaine Campbelle (20) and Chinelle Henry (59 not out), who put on 57 runs for the fourth wicket.

But once Campbell departed, Deepti Sharma (2/11) stepped up with two wickets in an over and the Windies ended with 121 for eight.

Champs hit the ground running

Australia delivered a strong performance in its first outing in the UAE as its warmed up for the defence of its crown in style.

Having been put in to bat, the Australians made 162 for six from their 20 overs, with Beth Mooney (50) giving them the perfect start. She needed just 30 balls to crack a half-century and helped Australia set the platform, despite Alyssa Healy (12) and Ellyse Perry (7) not firing.

IND-W vs WI-W Highlights, Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-up

A partnership of 50 runs with Ashleigh Gardner (21) was broken by Charlie Dean (1/16) but Tahlia McGrath (31) and Georgia Wareham (18 not out) scored quickly to push Australia to a competitive total.

Lauren Bell was the pick of the England bowlers, taking two for 29.

England showed plenty of intent in its chase, with Maia Bouchier hitting a quickfire 17 before she was the first to depart, caught behind off Darcie Brown.

That brought Alice Capsey to the crease, and she impressed on her way to 40 from just 34 balls.

She did not get a huge amount of support, however, with wickets falling at regular intervals. McGrath nabbed the all-important Nat Sciver-Brunt on her way to figures of three for 18.

Spin twins set up Kiwi success

Three wickets apiece for Leigh Kasperek (3/7) and Amelia Kerr (3/13) had South Africa in all sorts of trouble as New Zealand won by eight wickets against last year’s T20 World Cup runner-up.

Eden Carson (2/21) made early inroads as South Africa was bowled out for just 92, although it did play out its full quota of 20 overs.

Carson removed Tazmin Brits off just the second ball of the match and ended with figures of two for 21 from her four overs.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt provided the only real resistance, scoring 33, before she became the first of Kasperek’s victims.

From the other end, Kerr (3/13) was just as accurate, as the pair combined for figures of six for 20 in eight overs.

The chase was a formality for New Zealand. Though Suzie Bates was run out for 17, Kerr and skipper Sophie Devine added 36 runs for the second wicket.

While Kerr eventually departed for a run-a-ball 37, Devine finished unbeaten on 35 and saw New Zealand home, with Brooke Halliday at the other end.