3rd T20I: Renuka, Deepti, Shafali star as India Women clinch series with 8-wicket win over Sri Lanka (ld)
India clinches 3-0 series win over Sri Lanka in Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram – India secured an unassailable 3‑0 lead in the five‑match T20I series against Sri Lanka after a dominant batting display powered by Shafali Verma, who finished on an unbeaten 79 from 42 balls. The match, played at Greenfield International Stadium on Friday, ended with India comfortably chasing 113.
Shafali’s innings was the highlight of the day. After a cautious start that saw her play three dot balls in the first over, she turned the attack on its head, knocking eleven fours and three sixes. Her 79 came in just 24 deliveries, with a 3.4‑run‑rate that left Sri Lanka with little time to mount a comeback. The left‑hander earned praise for her drive past mid‑on and her powerful pull shots throughout the innings.
India’s bowlers held the Sri Lankan side to a modest 112 for seven, thanks largely to Renuka Singh Thakur’s efficient 4‑21 and Deepti Sharma’s 3‑18. Their combined seven wickets disrupted Sri Lanka’s rhythm early, making it difficult for the visitors to build momentum.
Sri Lanka’s chase faltered after the loss of key wickets. Vice‑captain Smriti Mandhana was dismissed lbw by off‑spinner Kavisha Dilhari in the very first ball of her innings, and Jemimah Rodrigues fell to a missed sweep that left the ball striking her front pad. Despite these setbacks, the Sri Lankan bowlers struck a few key moments, with Kavisha returning to claim a wicket and eventually conceding just 18 runs in her four overs.
Harmanpreet Kaur, the skipper, provided a steady presence in the chase, adding 21 not out as India wrapped up the target with six overs to spare. With this win, India not only climbed to a 3‑0 series advantage but also achieved their fourth straight T20I series victory over Sri Lanka.
Key moments
- Shafali Verma: 79* (42 balls – 11 fours, 3 sixes)
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 21* (13.2 overs)
- Renuka Singh Thakur: 4‑21 (10 overs)
- Deepti Sharma: 3‑18 (10 overs)
- Kavisha Dilhari: 2‑18 (4 overs)
Brief scorecard
Sri Lanka 112/7 (20 overs)
Top scorers: Imesha Dulani – 27, Hasini Perera – 25
India 115/2 (13.2 overs)
Top scorers: Shafali Verma – 79, Harmanpreet Kaur – 21
The match was a clear statement of India’s dominance in the T20 format, leaving Sri Lanka with a hefty challenge ahead if they hope to rebound in future encounters.
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