Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Fulmali, Patil headline India’s comfortable win – India Dominates West Indies
India kicked off their preparations for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup with a decisive 26-run victory over West Indies in a warm-up fixture held in Cardiff. A superb unbeaten half-century from Bharti Fulmali, coupled with outstanding bowling performances from Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav, ensured a comfortable win for the Indian side, providing a strong start to their campaign lead-up.
India’s Batting Showcase: An Impressive Total of 179 for 8
Opting to bat first after being sent in, India’s innings was built on crucial partnerships and aggressive stroke play, culminating in a formidable total of 179 for 8. The opening pair of Shafali Verma and stand-in captain Smriti Mandhana, leading the side in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, set a blistering pace. They forged a rapid 59-run partnership within just 5.2 overs, laying a robust foundation for the innings.
Mandhana, with her characteristic elegance and power, contributed 39 runs before falling to Aaliyah Alleyne. Shafali Verma, meanwhile, showcased her destructive capabilities, smashing five boundaries in a quickfire 29 off just 13 deliveries before off-spinner Karishma Ramharack ended her stay at the crease in the seventh over. The early departures of these aggressive openers, followed by Jemimah Rodrigues becoming the first victim of leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, saw India momentarily falter to 85 for 3 in eight overs, signaling a potential wobble.
Fulmali and Bhatia Steer India to a Commanding Position
However, the middle order quickly regrouped with Yastika Bhatia and Bharti Fulmali taking charge. This crucial partnership added 60 runs in just seven overs, stabilizing the innings and accelerating the scoring rate once more. Bhatia displayed her class with six well-struck fours during her innings of 36. It was Fulmali, however, who anchored the innings with exceptional composure and power.
Fulmali remained unbeaten on a brilliant 56, an innings studded with six fours and a towering six, proving instrumental in propelling India to their impressive total. Her ability to navigate the late overs and ensure India reached a competitive score highlighted her growing maturity and importance in the squad. While other batters made significant contributions, Fulmali’s unbeaten fifty was the bedrock of India’s commanding first-innings total. For the West Indies, Afy Fletcher was the standout bowler, delivering a superb spell to claim 4 for 23, consistently troubling the Indian batters with her variations.
West Indies’ Chase: Initial Promise Fades Under Indian Bowling Pressure
In response, West Indies began their chase with a degree of promise, primarily through the efforts of their experienced opener Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle. The pair combined to add 63 runs for the opening wicket in nine overs, keeping the required run rate within reach and giving West Indies a glimmer of hope. Campbelle contributed 25 runs before she retired out, a decision that proved to be a turning point in the innings.
Once the opening partnership was broken and Campbelle left the field, the Indian bowlers tightened their grip, executing their plans with precision and intensity. The momentum decisively shifted in India’s favour as they began to chip away at the West Indies’ batting line-up.
Patil and Radha Yadav Lead India’s Bowling Attack
The turning point of the match arrived with the introduction of Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav, who collectively dismantled the West Indies’ middle and lower order. Patil was in exceptional form, tearing through the batting with a four-wicket haul. She claimed the crucial wickets of Qiana Joseph, Jahzara Claxton, Jannillea Glasgow, and Zaida James, showcasing her ability to pick up wickets at critical junctures. Her spell was a masterclass in T20 bowling, mixing variations and maintaining disciplined lines and lengths.
Supporting her brilliantly was Radha Yadav, who also proved highly effective, returning impressive figures of 3 for 25. Her left-arm orthodox spin provided crucial breakthroughs and maintained pressure throughout the innings. Surprisingly, Yastika Bhatia also made a significant impact with the ball, picking up three vital wickets, including the dangerous Deandra Dottin, Aaliyah Alleyne, and Chinelle Henry. Dottin, who top-scored for West Indies with 49 off 44 deliveries, was the lynchpin of their chase, but her dismissal at a crucial phase severely hampered their chances.
Despite Dottin’s valiant effort to keep her side in contention, the consistent fall of wickets and the relentless pressure from the Indian bowlers proved too much for the West Indies. They were ultimately restricted to 153 for 8 after their allotted 20 overs, falling short by 26 runs. India’s comprehensive performance in this warm-up match highlights their depth in both batting and bowling departments, signaling their strong intentions for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. The match served as an excellent opportunity for players to fine-tune their skills and strategies, with both experienced campaigners and emerging talents making significant contributions.
