India showcased a commanding performance in the ICC Women T20 World Cup, thrashing Sri Lanka by 82 runs in a crucial Group A encounter, keeping their semi-final hopes alive while eliminating their opponents from the tournament.
Batting first after winning the toss in Dubai, India’s top order delivered a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting, propelling the team to the highest total of the tournament—172/3. The opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid the foundation for the onslaught, as the pair dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack with poise and power. Mandhana, in sublime form, struck a fluent half-century, scoring 50 from 38 balls, while her partner Verma chipped in with an aggressive 43. Together, they put up a formidable 98-run stand for the first wicket, setting the stage for a massive total.
India’s momentum only grew when captain Harmanpreet Kaur took charge. Kaur unleashed a scintillating display of big-hitting, smashing 52 runs off just 27 balls. Her innings, punctuated with nine boundaries, including two consecutive fours to end her knock, elevated India’s score to an imposing 172. Supporting contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues (16 off 10) and Richa Ghosh (6* off 6) ensured that the runs flowed consistently until the final ball of the innings.
In response, Sri Lanka crumbled under the immense pressure of the chase. The collapse began immediately as substitute fielder Radha Yadav pulled off a stunning catch in the second ball of the innings to send Vishmi Gunaratne back for a duck. From there, India’s bowlers seized control, dismissing key batters Chamari Athapaththu (1) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (3) early, setting Sri Lanka on a disastrous course.
Renuka Singh, Arundhati Reddy, and Asha Sobhana led India’s bowling attack with clinical precision, each bowler returning economical figures. Sri Lanka’s efforts to salvage the game proved futile, despite resilient knocks from Anushka Sanjeewani (20), Kavisha Dilhari (21), and Ama Kanchana (19). The required run rate spiraled beyond reach, and Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for 90, falling 82 runs short with just one ball remaining.
This resounding victory not only keeps India in the hunt for a semi-final spot but also solidifies their position as a formidable contender in the tournament. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, finds their T20 World Cup campaign in tatters, having lost all three of their Group A matches and exiting the competition.