Indian women's cricket team produced a batting masterclass, posting a formidable total of 221 for 2 in the fourth T20 International against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on July 7. The innings was built on the back of a spectacular, record-breaking opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma.
Historic Opening Stand Sets the Stage
The foundation for India's mammoth score was laid by openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who forged a devastating 174-run stand. This partnership is now the highest for any wicket for India in women's T20 Internationals, eclipsing the previous record of 165 set by Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues. The duo took the Sri Lankan bowlers to task from the outset, finding boundaries with remarkable consistency.
Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain, led the charge with a magnificent knock of 71 runs off just 51 deliveries. Her innings was a blend of elegance and power, featuring 9 fours and 2 sixes. At the other end, the explosive Shafali Verma played a blistering innings, scoring 81 runs from a mere 37 balls. Her strike rate of over 218 terrorized the bowling attack, as she smashed 10 fours and 5 sixes during her stay at the crease.
Middle Order Capitalizes on Flying Start
After the dismissals of both openers, the Indian middle order ensured there was no slowdown in the scoring rate. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a characteristically aggressive cameo, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 17 balls, which included 3 fours and a six. Richa Ghosh provided the final flourish, scoring a quickfire 21 not out from just 10 deliveries, pushing the team total well past the 220-run mark.
The Sri Lankan bowlers had a day to forget, with only Kavisha Dilhari managing to pick up wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 42. The rest of the attack struggled to contain the flow of runs on a flat batting track.
Series Context and Looking Ahead
This commanding performance came in the fourth match of the five-game T20I series. India had already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series prior to this contest. The dominant batting display in Dambulla further underscored the team's strength and depth in the shortest format of the game.
The record partnership between Mandhana and Verma highlights the potent firepower at the top of the Indian order, a crucial asset as the team builds towards future global tournaments. The ability to post such a high total will give the bowling attack significant confidence to defend the score and aim for a 4-0 series lead.
The final match of the series is scheduled for July 9, 2024, at the same venue. With the series already won, India will look to experiment and continue their winning momentum, while Sri Lanka will seek a consolation victory to end the series on a positive note.
