After three low-scoring and one-sided encounters, the IND vs SL fourth Women’s T20I in Thiruvananthapuram turned out to be a thrilling run-fest, as both sides achieved their highest-ever scores in international T20 cricket, but India’s onslaught of 221/2 was simply too good for Sri Lanka, who ended up falling 30 runs short. This convincing victory gave India a 4-0 lead in the five -match series.
Although there were missed opportunities in the field for both teams, the stronger batting arsenal in India’s side proved to be the turning point in this gripping encounter between India and SL.
Mandhana and Shafali Smash Records at the Top
India’s innings was anchored by a breathtaking opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who destroyed the Sri Lankan bowling attack. They scored 162 runs in only 92 balls, which is India’s highest opening partnership in Women’s T20Is so far.
Shafali Verma was carrying forward her scintillating performance with her third successive T20I fifty in the series. Her knock was characterised by timing and resulted in 12 fours and one six.
Smriti Mandhana recovered well after a modest beginning to the series, dispatching the opposition with 11 fours and three sixes. Smriti reached her fifty in 35 balls but later picked up the tempo and dominated the spinners.
Alongside this knock, Mandhana also reached the number one spot for the highest international scores in a calendar year, thus emphasising her impressive performances during the series between IND vs SL.
Second Overs Carnage shatters Sri Lanka’s Defenses
A turning point came in overs 11-13 when India were subjected to a pounding by the home side:
The 11th over yielded 15 runs.
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20 runs in the 12th
18 runs in the 13th
India began to accelerate from 85 without loss to 120 in just two overs, touching 150 in just 14.2 overs, completely undermining the bowling strategy of Sri Lanka.
Richa Ghosh Adds Explosive Finish
However, with two Indian wickets down towards the end, Richa Ghosh was given a chance to bat at No.3, and the move turned out to be highly fruitful for Team India as well. Richa hit 40 off just 16 balls, and then there was an unbeaten partnership of 53 between Richa and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Her highlight-reel moment was in the 19th over when she hit three sixes and a four to score a total of 23 runs and take India’s score beyond 220. The finishing display of India reinforced its strength and dominance in its match against SL.
Sri Lanka’s Fast Start Initiated by Perera and Athapththu
Pressing a daunting target, Sri Lanka began well:
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HAS Perera and CA Athapaththu contributed 59 runs for the first wicket in 34 balls.
Athapaththu set the pace, striking the ball cleanly and reaching a well-made 52, which kept Sri Lanka in the contest.
However, once Perera went down and Athapaththu got out in the 13th over, Sri Lanka’s run chase derailed. Even though there were some late flashes of brilliance, it was impossible to sustain in this high-stakes IND vs SL encounter.
Vaishnavi impresses with the ball
In the midst of batting fireworks, Vaishnavi was the standout performer among the bowlers for India. She picked up two major wickets for just 24 runs, including the vital ones of Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. Her smart variations, disciplined lines, and composed performances in the middle and death overs made it difficult for Sri Lanka to regain complete control over the chase.
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