The Indian women's cricket team extended their commanding form on the tour of Sri Lanka, securing a comprehensive 30-run victory in the fourth Twenty20 International at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. This win hands the visitors an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series, with one match still to play.
Mandhana and Kaur Power India to a Competitive Total
Asked to bat first after Sri Lanka won the toss, India posted a challenging total of 148 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was anchored by a solid opening partnership and a crucial late flourish from the captain.
Opener Smriti Mandhana provided the early momentum with a well-compiled 38 runs off 32 deliveries, setting a stable platform. However, the middle overs saw a slowdown as the Sri Lankan spinners applied pressure, picking up wickets at regular intervals. It was skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's unbeaten 31 from just 19 balls that proved to be the game-changing knock. Her innings, laced with boundaries in the death overs, propelled India past the 140-run mark, giving the bowlers a defendable target.
Disciplined Bowling Seals the Deal for India
Defending 149, the Indian bowling attack put up a clinical and disciplined performance. The spinners, in particular, strangled the Sri Lankan chase from the outset. Deepti Sharma was the standout performer with the ball, delivering a miserly spell of 4 overs for just 15 runs while claiming 2 crucial wickets.
The pressure built by the spinners was relentless. Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav also chipped in with a wicket each, never allowing the Lankan batters to break free. Despite a fighting 33 from Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, the required run rate kept climbing. The hosts were eventually restricted to 118 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 30 runs.
Series in the Bag and Momentum for the Finale
This victory marks another emphatic statement from the Indian women's team, showcasing their all-round strength. The series win is built on the back of strong batting performances and a versatile bowling unit that has adapted well to the conditions.
With the series already secured, the focus now shifts to the fifth and final T20I. The Indian team will look to complete a resounding 4-0 series victory and carry this winning momentum into their future assignments. For Sri Lanka, the final match presents an opportunity to salvage pride and find some positives before the series concludes.
The consistent performances from senior players like Mandhana and Kaur, combined with effective contributions from the bowling unit, underline the team's growing confidence and depth. This series triumph adds to India's recent successes and solidifies their position as a formidable force in women's T20 cricket.
