A disciplined and aggressive bowling performance from the Indian women's cricket team, spearheaded by Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma, strangled the Sri Lankan batting line-up, restricting them to a modest total of 112 for 7 in the first T20 International at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.
Renuka Singh's Fiery Opening Spell Sets the Tone
The match began with the Indian bowlers immediately seizing control. Renuka Singh Thakur delivered a devastating opening spell, claiming two crucial wickets in her very first over. She clean bowled Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for a golden duck on the very first ball of the innings, sending a shockwave through the visiting camp. She wasn't done yet, dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne for just 1 run in the same over, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 2 for 2.
Renuka's initial burst of pace and accuracy put immense pressure on the new batters. She finished her spell with impressive figures of 2 for 18 from her four overs, effectively breaking the backbone of the Sri Lankan top order right at the start of the innings.
Deepti Sharma's Masterclass in Control
While Renuka provided the early breakthroughs, the experienced Deepti Sharma applied relentless pressure in the middle overs. Bowling with her trademark guile and precision, Deepti conceded a mere 17 runs from her full quota of four overs. More importantly, she picked up the wicket of the dangerous-looking Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was starting to build a partnership.
Deepti's economical spell, combined with Renuka's early strikes, meant Sri Lanka could never break free and accelerate their scoring rate. The Indian spinners and pacers, inspired by the starters, maintained a tight line and length throughout the innings.
Sri Lanka's Struggle and a Lone Fight
Facing an onslaught from the Indian bowlers, the Sri Lankan batters found it extremely difficult to score freely. Apart from a fighting 44-run partnership between Hasini Perera (22) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21), the innings lacked substantial partnerships. Hasini Perera top-scored with a patient 22 off 27 balls, but the constant fall of wickets at the other end hampered any momentum.
Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav also chipped in with a wicket each, ensuring the pressure never eased. Sri Lanka managed to scrape their way to 112 for 7 in their 20 overs, a total that seemed well below par on a decent batting surface at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Looking Ahead to the Indian Chase
With a target of 113 set by the visitors, the Indian women's team will be confident of taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The bowling performance has set a perfect platform for the batters. The spotlight will now be on the Indian top order, including Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, to chase down the total comfortably and start the series on a winning note.
The comprehensive bowling display, led by Renuka Singh's fiery start and Deepti Sharma's control, has given India a commanding position after the first innings of this exciting encounter in Thiruvananthapuram.
