Sadhu Credits Familiarity with Conditions for Success
In the opening T20I against West Indies at Navi Mumbai, Indian bowler Titas Sadhu delivered a match-winning performance, taking 3/37 to help secure a commanding 49-run victory for her team. Speaking to the media after the match, Sadhu attributed her success to being accustomed to the conditions and executing her bowling plans effectively.
“The DY Patil wicket is quite true, and if you bowl in the right areas, it offers assistance,” Sadhu explained. “The dew made things a bit challenging, but we managed well. Playing on this ground around the same time of year previously gave us an edge, as we knew the wicket would offer some help if we were disciplined.”
India’s triumph in this match also marked their ninth consecutive T20I win, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Strong Start by India’s Batters
India’s win was built on the back of a stellar batting display by Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana, both scoring fifties to propel the team to an imposing 195/4. This was India’s highest-ever total against the West Indies and their third-best T20I score overall.
The Indian team showed no signs of fatigue despite a long journey from Perth to Mumbai, a challenge Sadhu said they handled well. “We arrived late at night, got a good night’s sleep, and adjusted quickly. That helped us overcome any jet lag,” she said.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Brief Absence Sparks Concerns
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur batted for a short while during India’s innings but did not take the field in the second half. When asked about her absence, Sadhu refrained from providing details, saying, “The medical team is assessing her condition, and she should be fine soon.”
West Indies Coach Reflects on Disappointing Performance
West Indies head coach Shane Deitz expressed his frustration with the team’s lackluster performance, saying there was no excuse for not being ready from the first ball.
“We’ve been in India for about nine days to acclimatize and had excellent facilities for training,” Deitz said. “That’s why this performance is disappointing—it doesn’t reflect the preparation we put in.”
Deitz, a former South Australia player, emphasized his vision to revive the Caribbean style of play within the team. “We’re working to bring back the flair and Calypso style of cricket that has been missing. This approach is central to our game plan and will remain our focus moving forward,” he added.
Looking Ahead
India will aim to clinch the series in the next match, while West Indies will look to regroup and deliver a stronger performance. With both teams motivated to improve, the second T20I promises to be an exciting contest.
