Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 28 (.) India Women produced a breathtaking batting display to dominate Sri Lanka Women in the 4th T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium, posting a formidable 221 for 2 in 20 overs and eventually winning the match by 30 runs.
The innings was defined by an extraordinary partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, whose aggressive strokeplay left the visitors reeling.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Sri Lanka Women struggled to contain India openers. Mandhana, in fluent touch, raced to 80 off 48 balls, threading elegant drives and powerful pulls through the off-side. Shafali complemented her with fearless aggression, scoring 79 off 46 balls, including 12 fours and a six. Together, they compiled a 162-run partnership, dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
The partnership ended in the 16th over with Mandhana dismissed by Malsha Shehani, followed shortly by Verma, caught and bowled by Nimasha Madushani. By then, India had already set the stage for a commanding total, with the middle and lower order adding quick runs in the final overs. Richa Ghosh contributed a brisk 40 off 16 balls, while Harmanpreet Kaur added 16 off 10, further inflating India’s total.
Sri Lanka Women, in response, managed 191 for 6 in their 20 overs. Chamari Athapaththu scored 52 off 37 balls, while Hasini Perera made 33 off 20 balls. Vaishnavi Sharma and Arundhati Reddy shared two wickets apiece for India, keeping the Sri Lankan chase under pressure throughout.
The match highlighted the contrasting yet complementary styles of India’s openers: Mandhana’s elegance and wrist work paired with Shafali’s audacious front-foot aggression. Their partnership was not only a run-fest but also a masterclass in setting the tone and dominating the opposition in T20 cricket.
With this commanding performance, India Women secured a convincing 30-run victory, reinforcing their status as a fearsome T20 side on home soil.
Sri Lanka Women innings: 191-6 (20 overs). Top scorers: Chamari Athapaththu 52, Hasini Perera 33.
India Women innings: 221-2 (20 overs). Top scorers: Smriti Mandhana 80, Shafali Verma 79, Richa Ghosh 40 not out. Wickets: Vaishnavi Sharma 2, Arundhati Reddy 2.
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