A commanding batting performance led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur guided the Indian women's cricket team to a formidable total of 175 for 5 in the fifth and final T20 International against Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Tuesday. The innings was built on a solid foundation and finished with a powerful flourish, setting a challenging target for the hosts.
Kaur Anchors the Innings with Unbeaten Half-Century
Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur played a captain's knock, remaining not out on 52 runs off just 32 deliveries. Her innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring six boundaries and two sixes. Kaur arrived at the crease after the dismissal of opener Shafali Verma and steadied the ship, ensuring the run rate never dipped. She expertly rotated the strike and punished loose deliveries, providing the backbone of the Indian innings.
Reddy's Explosive Finish Provides Crucial Boost
The final flourish for India was provided by all-rounder Arundhati Reddy, who played a blistering cameo that shifted the momentum decisively. Reddy smashed 22 runs off a mere 7 balls, an innings that included two massive sixes and a four. Her explosive hitting in the death overs, particularly in the final over of the innings, ensured India crossed the 170-run mark, adding vital runs that could prove the difference in a closely contested match.
Solid Contributions from the Top Order
The Indian innings began positively with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana laying a decent platform. While Verma scored a quickfire 31, Mandhana contributed 26 runs. Richa Ghosh also chipped in with a valuable 24 runs in the middle order. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoshi Priyadharshani who took two wickets each, managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals but could not contain the flow of runs in the final phase of the innings.
This strong batting display by the Indian team, characterized by partnerships and a powerful finish, puts them in a commanding position to clinch the series. The bowlers now have a substantial total to defend as they aim to secure a victory in the final match of the T20I series.
