The Indian women's cricket team, stepping onto the field for the first time as the reigning ODI world champions, launched their preparations for next year's T20 World Cup in emphatic fashion. They secured a dominating eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the first match of a five-game T20I series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Easy Chase
After winning the toss and opting to field, India produced a disciplined collective bowling performance. Despite favourable batting conditions and the challenge of dew, they successfully restricted a hapless Sri Lankan side to a below-par total of 121 for 6 in their 20 overs. Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with a patient 39 off 43 balls, but partnerships were hard to build as the Indian bowlers kept a tight leash on the scoring rate.
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu started aggressively with 15 off just 12 balls but her innings was cut short by Kranti Goud in the third over. The bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma's economical spell of 1 for 20, ensured the visitors never gained momentum.
Jemimah Rodrigues' Masterclass Seals the Win
In reply, India's chase was anchored superbly by the in-form Jemimah Rodrigues. After the early loss of Shafali Varma (9), Rodrigues combined with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana to add a crucial 54-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively breaking the back of the chase.
While Mandhana contributed a steady 25 off 25 balls, it was Rodrigues who stole the show with a masterful unbeaten 69 off just 44 deliveries. Her innings was studded with 10 exquisite boundaries. She showcased a wide array of strokes, using deft touches against the spinners and powerful hits down the ground.
Rodrigues reached her half-century in a brisk 34 balls and then accelerated further. She particularly targeted young left-arm wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani, taking 16 runs off one over. Alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur (15 not out), Rodrigues guided India to the target of 122 in just 14.4 overs, handing the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series.
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
This comprehensive victory provides the perfect start to India's long road to the T20 World Cup. The team displayed strength in both departments:
- Bowling Depth: The ability to restrict opponents even in good batting conditions.
- Batting Firepower: A clinical chase led by a confident top order.
The win will boost confidence as the team looks to build a winning combination. The focus now shifts to the remaining matches in the series, where India will aim to experiment and solidify their squad.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka Women 121/6 in 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 39; Deepti Sharma 1/20) lost to India Women 122/2 in 14.4 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 69*, Smriti Mandhana 25; Inoka Ranaweera 1/17) by eight wickets.
