India Women signed off their Women’s T20 World Cup preparation with a confident 26-run win over West Indies in their warm-up at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on June 8. With the tournament days away, it was exactly the assured all-round display the side wanted.
Fulmali holds the innings together
Batting first, India posted 179 for 8 in their 20 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 56 from Bharti Fulmali. Her composed knock gave the innings its spine and pushed India to a total that always looked above par on the day. West Indies’ Afy Fletcher was the standout with the ball, taking 4 for 23 in a tidy four-over spell.
The spin twins take over
If the batting set it up, India’s spinners sealed it. Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav combined for seven wickets, with Patil’s 4 for 36 and Yadav’s 3 for 25 strangling the West Indies chase. Restricted to 153 for 8, the Caribbean side never built the momentum needed, despite a fighting 49 from the experienced Deandra Dottin.
Why it matters
Warm-ups do not count for points, but they count for confidence — and for clarity. India’s spin pair delivering seven wickets between them is a hugely encouraging sign on English pitches, where control and variations can be decisive in a tournament. Fulmali’s runs add to the selectors’ happy headaches in a deep batting line-up.
The bigger picture
India travel into the World Cup as one of the favourites alongside Australia, and performances like this underline why. A balanced attack led by quality spin, a batting order with depth, and players finding form at the right moment is the template for a deep run. The real examination begins when the points are on the line, but the dress rehearsal could hardly have gone better.
The bottom line
A fifty from Fulmali and a spin masterclass from Patil and Yadav handed India a polished warm-up win. With the Women’s T20 World Cup about to begin, India look ready — and dangerous.
Photo: FahimDesign / BY via flickr