India’s women’s cricket team put on a dominant performance against Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 World Cup, securing a resounding 82-run victory. The triumph not only boosted India’s net run rate but also showcased the team’s resurgence under the leadership of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur.
The Indian innings got off to a solid start with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana forming a formidable opening partnership. Verma’s aggressive strokeplay and Mandhana’s calculated approach set the tone for the innings, amassing 98 runs before both were dismissed in quick succession.
Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her explosive batting, stepped up to the plate in the death overs, smashing 52 runs off just 27 deliveries. Her whirlwind knock included eight boundaries, propelling India to a formidable total of 172 for three wickets.
Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur struck on the very first ball of the innings, setting the tone for India’s bowling dominance. Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled under the pressure, with only Kavisha Dilhari offering some resistance with a score of 21.
Leg-spinner Asha Sobhana emerged as the wrecker-in-chief for India, claiming three wickets and restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring. The Sri Lankan batters struggled to cope with the variety and accuracy of India’s bowling attack, eventually being bowled out for a mere 90 runs in 19.5 overs.
India’s victory was a testament to their improved form and determination. The team had suffered a setback in their previous match against New Zealand, but they responded with a resounding performance against Sri Lanka. The win not only boosted their net run rate but also kept their hopes of reaching the semifinals alive.
