As was the case in 2009, the women’s version of the ICC World T20 was played alongside the men’s, with the semi-finals and finals of both tournaments being played at the same venues back-to-back.

All twelve league matches were played at the Warner’s Park, Basseterre, St. Kitts. India was in Group B, along with New Zealand and Asian neighbours Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Africa, Australia, West Indies and defending champions England made up Group A.

Jhulan Goswami’s side started poorly, with the batters making heavy weather of a gettable target of 140 set by New Zealand. Only three batswomen – Mithali Raj (44), Sulakshana Naik (28) and Amita Sharma (28) reached double figures, as India finished nine runs short. Off-spinner Diana David’s 4-27 earlier in the game went in vain.

Indiagot back on track with a nine-wicket thrashing of Pakistan in their second Group B encounter. Pakistan batted first and were restricted to 104-6. Leg-spinner Priyanka Roy was India’s best bowler, with an analysis of 3-19. India achieved the target with more than three overs to spare and nine wickets in hand, with opener Poonam Raut scoring an unbeaten 54.

The third league game against Sri Lanka, witnessed another outstanding team performance. Fifties by Naik and Raj ensured a score of 144-3. The Sri Lankans were then reduced to 19-6. They managed to avoid being bowled out, and were 73-9 at the close. David bowled beautifully to finish with 4-19.

Goswami won the toss and elected to bat in the semi-final against Australia, which was played at the Gros Islet, St. Lucia, soon after the completion of the first men’s semi-final between England and Sri Lanka at the same venue. The early dismissals of Naik and Raj were a setback, and India got 119-5 in the allotted overs. Goswami gave her side a great start with the ball, dismissing Australian opener Elyse Villani for no score, but skipper Alexandra Blackwell handled the situation brilliantly. Her 60, along with Leah Poulton’s unbeaten 33, took Australia to victory with seven wickets in hand. The Aussies went on to beat New Zealand in a thriller of a final by three runs.

It was the third consecutive ICC event, starting with the World Cup in early 2009, wherein the Indian team had qualified for the semi-finals.