The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier match on March 13, 2025, between the USA Women and Argentina Women unfolded at the picturesque St Albans Club in Corimayo. This encounter promised to be a defining moment in women’s cricket in the Americas, and it surely did not disappoint, especially for fans of the USA team, who witnessed a stunning display of talent and teamwork.
Argentina won the toss and opted to field first, probably envisaging that limiting the USA to a low score could provide them with a fighting chance. However, the USA Women stepped up to the challenge with a focused batting performance, finishing their innings at a respectable 124 runs for the loss of only four wickets over 20 overs. Their innings began on a rocky note when opener Disha Dhingra was run out for just 1 run, putting immediate pressure on the remaining batters. However, the middle order displayed resilience: Gargi Bhogle, with her composed 26 runs off 41 balls, played a key role in steadying the ship before falling to Mariana Martinez.
Ella Claridge briefly added runs to the scoreboard with a swift six, but the real fireworks came from Chetna Pagydyala and Isani Vaghela. Pagydyala delivered a commendable performance, remaining unbeaten with a well-crafted 36 runs off 43 balls, and Vaghela’s aggressive 29 off just 20 balls helped propel the total to a competitive 124/4. With their strategic partnerships and contributions, the USA Women’s lineup showcased their capability to build scores, benefiting from 18 extras, which included a notable 11 wides from the Argentina bowlers—little slips that can make a big difference in tight matches.
On the bowling front, Argentina’s bowlers tried their best to control the game. Albertina Galan impressed with her economical bowling, conceding only 16 runs in her four overs. Constanza Sosa (1/21) and Mariana Martinez (1/26) chipped in with wickets, while Lucia Taylor’s breakthrough added momentary relief. Yet, Argentina was left regretting their inability to prevent runs from flowing during the crucial last overs of the USA innings.
When it was time for Argentina to chase the target of 125 runs, they quickly found themselves under the pump. The USA bowlers unleashed their own brand of disciplined, aggressive bowling, leaving the Argentine batters in a world of trouble. Aditi Chudasama emerged as a key player with the ball, grabbing 3 wickets while conceding a mere 8 runs in her four-over spell—an outstanding contribution that earned her the Player of the Match award. Both Ritu Singh and Saanvi Immadi also made significant contributions, taking 1/8 and 2/8, respectively, leaving Argentina’s hopes for a successful chase dwindling rapidly.
The Argentine top order was dismantled early, with opener Malena Lollo departing for just 1 run. The pressure continued to build as Mariana Martinez fell for a duck, and Albertina Galan’s score of 2 off 22 balls proved too slow to help build any momentum in the innings. Maria Castiñeiras, the only Argentine batter to show a flicker of resistance, scored 11 runs off 33 deliveries, but her slow strike rate effectively shut the door on any possible recovery. Unfortunately, contributions from other players like Alison Stocks, Julieta Cullen, and Lucia Taylor were minimal, leading to a total collapse, with Argentina ultimately finishing their innings at a disappointing 53 runs for 9 wickets in 20 overs—a staggering defeat by 71 runs.
The USA bowlers’ disciplined display, highlighted by Chudasama’s brilliant performance, restricted Argentina to a meager run rate of just 2.65. It’s performances like these that not only showcase individual talents but also herald a promising future for women’s cricket in the Americas, inspiring younger athletes and contributing to the growth of cricket in the region. With this win, the USA Women’s team solidified their presence on the international stage, and fans are left excited for the next steps in their journey through the tournament.
Image Source: Windies Cricket @ YouTube
