The Indian women's cricket team delivered a commanding performance to secure the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a game to spare. The decisive victory came in the third match at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, December 26, where the hosts chased down a target of 113 runs with remarkable ease, winning by eight wickets in just 13.2 overs.
Shafali Verma's Blazing Batting Seals The Chase
Young opener Shafali Verma was the undisputed star of the match, playing a breathtaking innings that left the Sri Lankan bowlers helpless. She remained unbeaten on a spectacular 79 runs off just 42 deliveries. Her knock was laced with 11 boundaries and three massive sixes, maintaining a staggering strike rate of 188.10.
Verma reached her half-century in a mere 24 balls, marking one of the fastest fifties by an Indian batter against Sri Lanka in women's T20Is. This explosive performance came on the back of her unbeaten 69 in the second match, highlighting a period of exceptional form. She single-handedly guided India to victory, ensuring the team finished the chase with 40 balls remaining.
Renuka Singh's Fiery Comeback & Deepti's Milestone
Pacer Renuka Singh, returning to the T20I side after a significant gap, made a sensational comeback. She delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four crucial wickets for just 21 runs. Renuka struck early during the powerplay, removing key batters Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, and later returned to clean up the lower order.
Her disciplined bowling, characterized by sharp swing and accuracy, was instrumental in restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total of 112 for 7. For her brilliant effort, Renuka was rightly awarded the Player of the Match.
Off-spinner Deepti Sharma provided excellent support, claiming three wickets for 18 runs and effectively controlling the middle overs. During her spell, Deepti achieved a major milestone by equalling Australian bowler Megan Schutt's record of 151 wickets, becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker in women's T20 internationals. She also became India's leading wicket-taker against Sri Lanka in this format.
Historic Captaincy Record For Harmanpreet Kaur
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scripted history with this series-clinching win. This victory marked her 77th win as captain in T20 internationals, allowing her to surpass the previous record of 76 wins held by Australia's legendary skipper Meg Lanning.
Furthermore, this was Kaur's 16th T20I win against Sri Lanka, making her the captain with the most wins against a single opponent in the history of women's T20I cricket. This dual achievement underscores her leadership and the team's consistent dominance under her guidance.
The comprehensive win reinforces India's supremacy over their neighbours, marking their fourth consecutive T20I series triumph against Sri Lanka. With the series already secured, the final matches present an ideal opportunity for the team management to test bench strength and build squad depth ahead of important international tournaments in the future.
