Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Fulmali, Patil headline India’s comfortable win
India Secures Comfortable Win in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-up
India has begun their Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign on a high note, defeating West Indies by 26 runs in a warm-up match in Cardiff. The Indian team, led by Smriti Mandhana in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, posted a competitive total of 179 for 8, with Bharti Fulmali scoring an unbeaten 56 and Shreyanka Patil picking up four wickets.
India’s Batting Performance
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana got India off to a solid start, adding 59 runs for the opening wicket in 5.2 overs. Shafali hit five fours in her 13-ball 29, while Mandhana scored 39. However, India slipped to 85 for 3 in eight overs, with Jemimah Rodrigues becoming the first of legspinner Afy Fletcher’s four victims.
Yastika Bhatia and Fulmali then added 60 runs in seven overs, taking India towards a competitive total. Bhatia struck six fours during her innings, while Fulmali hit six fours and a six, helping India post 179 for 8. Fletcher was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies, returning 4 for 23.
West Indies’ Chase
West Indies began their chase well, with Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle adding 63 runs in nine overs. However, once Campbelle retired out for 25, Patil and Radha Yadav took over, picking up crucial wickets. Patil got rid of Qiana Joseph, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, and Zaida James, while Bhatia picked up Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Chinelle Henry.
Dottin top-scored for West Indies with 49 off 44, but the team was restricted to 153 for 8 after 20 overs, falling short of India’s total by 26 runs.
Key Performances
- Bharti Fulmali: 56* (unbeaten)
- Shreyanka Patil: 4-36
- Radha Yadav: 3-25
- Smriti Mandhana: 39
- Yastika Bhatia: 36
- Shafali Verma: 29
With this win, India has set a positive tone for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The team will look to build on this performance and make a strong start to the tournament.
