A dominant all-round performance led by a blistering half-century from Shafali Verma and incisive bowling from Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma helped the Indian women's cricket team secure a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20 International. The win at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday, July 4, 2024, allowed India to draw the three-match series 1-1.
Bowlers Set the Stage for a Comfortable Chase
After being asked to bowl first, the Indian attack, led brilliantly by Renuka Singh Thakur, put immediate pressure on the Sri Lankan batters. Renuka's opening spell was devastating, claiming the key wickets of Vishmi Gunaratne and captain Chamari Athapaththu early. She finished with excellent figures of 2 for 16 in her 4 overs.
At the other end, the experienced Depti Sharma provided masterful control with her spin. She dismantled the middle order, taking 3 crucial wickets for just 24 runs in her full quota of overs. This combined effort restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total of 111 for 8 in their 20 overs. Hasini Perera top-scored for the hosts with a fighting 39 off 33 balls, but regular wickets prevented any significant partnerships.
Shafali Verma's Power-Hitting Seals the Deal
In reply, India's chase was spearheaded single-handedly by the explosive Shafali Verma. The young opener unleashed a barrage of boundaries, taking the Sri Lankan bowlers to task from the very first over. She played a chanceless and aggressive innings, scoring a magnificent 79 runs off just 48 deliveries. Her knock was studded with 10 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing her wide range of strokes.
Shafali found able support from her opening partner, Smriti Mandhana (23 off 19 balls), as the duo put on a rapid 71-run stand for the first wicket. This partnership effectively killed the contest within the powerplay overs. After Mandhana's dismissal, Shafali continued her assault, ensuring there were no hiccups. India comfortably reached the target of 112 in only 14.2 overs, losing just two wickets in the process.
Series Drawn as Teams Look Ahead
This commanding victory allowed India to bounce back strongly after losing the second T20I. The first match of the series was unfortunately washed out. The win not only levels the T20I series but also provides a significant momentum boost for the Indian team as they prepare for future assignments.
The standout performers were unequivocally Shafali Verma for her match-winning half-century and the bowling duo of Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma, whose early breakthroughs made the chase a straightforward affair. The series result sets the stage for an exciting upcoming ODI leg between the two sides.
