Women’s T20I Tri-Series: India and West Indies players take knee to show solidarity to black lives matter movement

India women and the West Indies women were seen taking a knee before the start of the third match in the ongoing Tri-Series held in South Africa on Monday, January 23. The two sides are currently locking horns at the Buffalo Park in East London in match three of the event. 

Harmanpreet Kaur, skipper of the Indian side opted to bat first after winning the toss. As the two openers Yastika Bhatia and star batter Smriti Mandhana took the field along with the Windies side, the players stood in unity for a rather class act just before the match kick-started. 

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— Vaishnavi Iyer (@Vaishnaviiyer14) January 23, 2023

The players and management of both units were seen taking a knee before the match commenced whereas the Indian opening duo stood firm with their hands placed on their hearts in the middle. Interestingly, this is not the first time the West Indian players took a knee in the ongoing series as they did the same during their match against South Africa on January 21. It is a sign of solidarity towards the black community and to showcase that Black Lives Matter.

Team India on the lookout to seal the contest

The Women in Blue emerged victorious in their previous encounter against hosts South Africa as they won the contest by 27 runs. Vital knocks from Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, and Amanjot Kaur powered the side to attain 147 runs in their 20 overs. 

In response, Deepti and Devika Vaidya sent the hosts packing as the two picked up five wickets between them which included a three-wicket haul by the former. South Africa succumbed under pressure as they were handed a 27-run defeat by the Women in Blue in the first match of the tri-series. 

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will be on the lookout to obtain another result in their favour and keep their fine form going as the all-important T20 World Cup is on the horizon. India recently endured a series loss to a dominant Australian unit and a win in the ongoing series prior to the marquee event will lift their spirits.