India Women commenced their three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a commanding and clinical bowling performance, restricting the visitors to a modest 112 for 7 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. The victory was orchestrated by a sensational comeback from pacer Renuka Singh Thakur and a historic milestone achieved by the crafty all-rounder Deepti Sharma.
Renuka Singh Thakur's Fiery Comeback Spell
Returning to the national side after an injury layoff, Renuka Singh Thakur immediately stamped her authority on the game. The right-arm seamer delivered a masterclass in powerplay bowling, exploiting the early conditions with precision. She dismantled the Sri Lankan top order, claiming three crucial wickets while conceding only 14 runs in her quota of four overs.
Her spell was the cornerstone of India's dominance. Renuka first removed the dangerous Vishmi Gunaratne for a duck, setting the tone for the innings. She then returned to take two more wickets, effectively putting the brakes on Sri Lanka's scoring momentum from the outset. Her figures of 3 for 14 were a testament to her control and skill, proving why she is considered a vital cog in India's bowling attack.
Deepti Sharma's Historic 100th T20I Wicket
While Renuka provided the early breakthroughs, the spin duo of Deepti Sharma and Saika Ishaque applied relentless pressure in the middle overs. The highlight was Deepti Sharma etching her name in the record books. By trapping Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu lbw for 33, Deepti became only the second Indian woman, after the legendary Jhulan Goswami, to claim 100 wickets in T20 Internationals.
This landmark achievement underscores Deepti's consistency and value as a wicket-taking bowler in the shortest format. Alongside her, left-arm spinner Saika Ishaque provided excellent support, picking up two wickets for 24 runs. Together, they ensured Sri Lanka could never break free and build a substantial partnership, with wickets falling at regular intervals.
India's Fielding and Sri Lanka's Struggle
The Indian team complemented their bowlers with sharp fielding. A notable moment was a direct-hit run-out by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh that accounted for Nilakshi de Silva. For Sri Lanka, only skipper Chamari Athapaththu (33) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (22) managed to get starts, but neither could convert them into a match-defining score. The Indian bowlers, backed by keen fielding, maintained a stranglehold throughout the 20 overs.
Pooja Vastrakar and Shreyanka Patil also chipped in with economical spells, with Patil taking a wicket. The collective effort meant Sri Lanka finished with a below-par total of 112 for 7, a target that India's powerful batting lineup would be confident of chasing down.
A Strong Foundation for the Series
This comprehensive bowling performance sets a perfect tone for the Indian team in the series. Renuka Singh's successful return from injury is a massive positive, bolstering the team's pace resources. Simultaneously, Deepti Sharma's milestone adds to the squad's confidence and experience.
The victory in the first T20I gives India a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It demonstrates the team's depth and ability to execute plans effectively. The focus will now shift to maintaining this momentum in the subsequent matches, with the bowling unit looking equally potent and the batters aiming to finish the job efficiently.
