India defeat West Indies by 26 runs in Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up; Bharti Fulmalli, Shreyanka Patil shine

Bharti Fulmalli struck an unbeaten half-century while spinners Radha Yadav and Shreyanka Patil shared seven wickets as India defeated West Indies by 26 runs in their opening warm-up match ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Monday.

Fresh off their historic ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup triumph earlier this year, India produced a well-rounded performance to kick off their T20 World Cup preparations in style. After posting a competitive 179/8 in 20 overs, the Women in Blue restricted West Indies to 153/8, with their spin attack taking control of the chase.

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Asked to bat first, India made an aggressive start through openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who added 59 runs for the first wicket. Mandhana led the charge with a fluent 39 off 39 balls, including eight boundaries, helping India race to 70/1 by the end of the powerplay.

The innings briefly lost momentum as India suffered a middle-order collapse, losing three wickets in quick succession. However, Fulmalli steadied the ship with a composed unbeaten 56 off 40 deliveries and stitched together a crucial 60-run partnership with Yastika Bhatia, who retired out after scoring 26 from 36 balls to give the middle order valuable game time.

Fulmalli’s knock, featuring six fours and a six, guided India to a formidable total despite late wickets. For West Indies, Afy Fletcher was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 4/23 from her four overs.

Chasing 180, West Indies found some stability through Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbelle, who put together a 63-run opening partnership. However, their cautious approach yielded only 37 runs in the powerplay, leaving the required rate climbing steadily.

India’s spinners then turned the game decisively in their favour. Shreyanka Patil starred with figures of 4/36, while Radha Yadav claimed 3/25 as West Indies slumped from a promising position to 103/6.

Dottin fought hard with a 49-ball 41 but fell just one run short of a half-century, and although Aliyah Alleyne and Shawnisha Hector added late runs, India comfortably sealed a 26-run victory to begin their campaign on a winning note.

Brief Scores:
India Women 179/8 (20 overs): Bharti Fulmalli 56*, Smriti Mandhana 39; Afy Fletcher 4/23.
West Indies Women 153/8 (20 overs): Deandra Dottin 41, Shemaine Campbelle 25; Shreyanka Patil 4/36, Radha Yadav 3/25.
India Women won by 26 runs.