Dubai: India’s women’s cricket team put on a dominant display to register an emphatic 82-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
With this victory, India not only achieved their largest margin of victory by runs in the tournament’s history but also boosted their Net Run Rate (NRR) above New Zealand’s, setting the stage for a critical clash in the final Group A round.
Sri Lanka’s defeat, their third consecutive in the tournament, marked the end of their campaign as they were officially eliminated. On the other hand, India’s batting, which had been underwhelming in previous matches, finally came alive with stellar performances from captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
After electing to bat, India posted an imposing 172/3, the highest total of the tournament so far. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma set the foundation with a solid 98-run opening stand. Verma, who scored 43, provided the early impetus while Mandhana played a measured yet aggressive knock, contributing 50 off 38 balls.
Mandhana’s half-century came in 36 balls, but she was run out shortly after reaching the milestone. Verma followed her back to the pavilion in the same over, as India briefly stumbled. However, Harmanpreet Kaur ensured there was no further loss of momentum. The Indian skipper hammered an unbeaten 52 off just 27 balls, her fastest half-century in a Women’s T20 World Cup.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase faltered almost immediately. India’s bowlers, backed by excellent fielding, tore through the Sri Lankan top order. Renuka Thakur struck early, and Radha Yadav’s spectacular catch off Vishmi Gunaratne’s miscued shot set the tone.
Shreyanka Patil and Asha Sobhana, with their spin, kept the Sri Lankan batters in check. Sobhana and Arundhati Reddy both picked up 3 for 19, as Sri Lanka crumbled to 90 all out, with no batter able to withstand India’s disciplined attack.
