The stage is set for a thrilling finale in Dambulla as the Sri Lanka Women's cricket team won the crucial toss and elected to field first against India in the fifth and final T20 International on Wednesday. This decisive match will determine the winner of the closely fought series.
Toss Outcome and Series Context
The coin landed in favor of Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Her decision to bowl was likely influenced by the conditions and the high-stakes nature of the contest. The five-match series is currently tied at 2-2, making this final game a virtual winner-takes-all encounter. The action commenced at 1:30 PM IST, with both teams vying for the series trophy.
Team Compositions and Key Changes
Looking to seal the series, the Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, made one significant change to their playing eleven. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur returned to the side, replacing the spinner Asha Sobhana. This move indicated India's intent to bolster their pace attack in the crucial match.
The Sri Lankan side, riding the momentum from their victory in the previous match, decided to field an unchanged lineup. This showed confidence in the combination that leveled the series.
Playing Elevens for the Final Clash
India Women: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Dayalan Hemalatha, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh Thakur, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil.
Sri Lanka Women: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wicket-keeper), Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, and Sachini Nisansala.
The Road to the Decider
The series has been a rollercoaster, showcasing competitive women's cricket. India started strong but faced a resilient fightback from the hosts. Sri Lanka's victory in the fourth T20I to square the series has set up a perfect finale. All eyes were on whether India could reclaim their momentum or if Sri Lanka would clinch a historic series win on home soil.
The pitch and weather conditions in Dambulla played a part in the captain's decision at the toss. The team batting second would have a clear target in mind, adding to the strategic depth of this must-win contest for both sides.
