India's women's cricket team delivered a powerful performance on Sunday, securing a 30-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth T20 International. This win gives the hosts an unassailable 4-0 lead in the five-match series, setting the stage for a potential clean sweep in the final game on Tuesday.
Captain's On-Field Urgency
While the result was commanding, the closing moments of Sri Lanka's chase saw captain Harmanpreet Kaur visibly animated. She was seen repeatedly instructing her bowlers and fielders to quicken their pace. At the post-match presentation, Kaur explained her urgency was to avoid a potential slow over-rate penalty.
"We were getting short in time and I wanted everyone to be on time," Kaur stated. "I didn't want three fielders outside the in-field. I try to improve from my mistakes." This proactive move ensured the team avoided any disciplinary action that could have marred the comprehensive win.
Record Partnership Sets Up Victory
The foundation for India's triumph was laid early by a spectacular batting display. Openers Smriti Mandhana (80 runs) and Shafali Verma (79 runs) forged a record partnership that put the Sri Lankan bowlers to the sword. Their aggressive stand provided a massive total for the hosts to defend.
Later, spinner Vaishnavi Sharma applied the brakes on Sri Lanka's reply, returning excellent figures of 2 wickets for 24 runs to seal the 30-run victory. Harmanpreet praised the top order, saying, "(We) should give credit to Shafali and Smriti and then me and Richa finished well."
Looking Ahead to the Final T20I
With the series already in the bag, the Indian captain hinted at possible team changes for the fifth and final T20I, scheduled for Tuesday. She mentioned the intention to give Harleen Deol a chance, though the situation in this match did not allow for it. "We thought we will give chance to Harleen (Deol), but (given) how it went (today), we sent (in) Richa early. Smriti and Shafali didn't let Harleen bat," Kaur explained.
The team now heads into the last match with confidence soaring, aiming for a perfect 5-0 series whitewash against the visitors. The dominant performance across the four matches underscores the strength and depth of the Indian women's T20 squad.
