India's women's cricket team delivered another commanding performance, securing a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at the ACAVDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. The win, fueled by a spectacular unbeaten half-century from Shafali Varma, gives India a dominant 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Shafali's Storm Seals the Chase
Chasing a modest target of 129, India's innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, led by the explosive Shafali Varma. The opener remained not out on a blistering 69 runs from just 34 deliveries, an innings decorated with 11 fours and a six. Her powerful strokeplay ensured India reached the target of 129/3 in a mere 11.5 overs, showcasing utter dominance.
India began positively with Shafali and Smriti Mandhana (14 off 11 balls) adding 29 runs in three overs. After Mandhana's dismissal, Shafali found an able partner in Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored a quickfire 26 from 15 balls. Their partnership of 58 runs in 28 balls effectively put the match beyond Sri Lanka's reach. Despite Rodrigues's departure, Shafali continued her assault, ensuring no late hiccups even after captain Harmanpreet Kaur was bowled with the scores level.
Bowlers Set the Stage for Victory
Earlier, after choosing to field, the Indian bowling attack put on a disciplined show to restrict the visitors to a below-par total. Sri Lanka managed only 128/9 in their 20 overs. Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided a fiery start with 31 off 24 balls, but her dismissal by Sneh Rana (3-1-6-1), who replaced an unwell Deepti Sharma, triggered a collapse.
Harshitha Samarawickrama top-scored with 33, but the Lankan batters struggled to build momentum against a tight Indian attack. The spin duo of Rana and others applied significant pressure in the middle overs, with Sri Lanka crawling to 66/2 at the halfway mark. The Indian bowlers shared the wickets, with Charani and Vaishnavi Sharma picking up two wickets each.
Series Momentum Firmly with India
This comprehensive victory, following the win in the first match, firmly places the series momentum in India's hands. The team's balanced performance—a collective bowling effort followed by a ferocious chase led by Shafali Varma—highlights their strength in the T20 format. The focus now shifts to the subsequent matches, where India will look to wrap up the series early, while Sri Lanka faces a must-win situation to stay alive.
The third T20I of the series promises more exciting cricket as the action continues at the same venue in Visakhapatnam.
