West Indies Captain Reflects on T20 Series Loss to India

West Indies Captain Hayley Matthews Spoke Candidly After T20 Series Loss

NAVI MUMBAI, India, CMC – West Indies captain Hayley Matthews spoke candidly after her team’s 60-run loss to India on Thursday, which saw the regional side surrender the T20 series 2-1.

India amassed their highest T20I total of 217 for three, which was always a tricky chase for the regional women. In the end, a middle-order implosion saw the West Indies getting 157 for nine, and captain Matthews reflected on what could have been if the team had done a few things differently.

” I think it just probably came down to execution again today. We had firm plans, but India also returned and did some homework. We probably feel like we do need to be a bit more disciplined with the ball. But look, a series like this will help us learn a lot, and hopefully, that’s what we take from this.”

India’s Batting Prowess on Full Display

India’s batting prowess was on full display, spearheaded by captain Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional innings. The opener chalked up her third straight half-century, with wicketkeeper Richa Gosh weighing in towards the back end with the joint fastest T20I half-century.

“Smriti had a great series, but her knock today was probably the best for me. Having to bowl at Richa at the end was quite difficult as well. We felt almost as if you didn’t land it on a penny. It was going to be pretty hard to stop her from scoring.”

Matthews Finds Positives in Team’s Performance

Despite the loss, Matthews found positives in her team’s performance, particularly their ability to adapt to conditions that improved as the series progressed.

“The wickets got probably better and better as the games went on. Individually, no matter if we had batted first or bowled first in any of the games, we still had to come out and play excellent cricket.”

Looking Ahead to ODI Series

Looking ahead to the upcoming ODI series, Matthews emphasized the importance of discipline and building on the progress shown in the T20s.

“We felt when we were out there and disciplined with the ball, we could get the Indian batters to try different things. That’s what will also be key in the ODIs.”

She also expressed confidence in the batting lineup’s potential, referencing the team’s impressive 170 for 1 in a previous match.

“It shows that we’ve got the capability within the dressing room to go out and put big totals on the board. Hopefully, we can carry that into the ODIs.” The first of three ODI’s bowl off with a day/night match on Sunday in Vadodara.

Conclusion

The West Indies will look to regroup and refocus ahead of the ODI series, with Matthews emphasizing the importance of discipline and building on the progress shown in the T20s.