The Indian women's cricket team delivered another commanding performance on Tuesday, securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20 International. This win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi gives the hosts a formidable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.
Spin Trio Strangles Sri Lanka's Batting
After being asked to bat first, the Sri Lankan innings never found its rhythm against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The visitors were restricted to a below-par total of 128 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. The spin department, led by the experienced Sneh Rana, was instrumental in applying the brakes. Rana, stepping in for the unwell Deepti Sharma, delivered a masterclass in control, finishing with exceptional figures of 1 for 11 in her four overs, which included a maiden.
She was ably supported by the young spin duo of Shree Charani (2 for 23) and Vaishnavi Sharma (2 for 32). The trio operated with patience and precision, denying the Sri Lankan batters any momentum. Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided brief resistance with a 31-run knock, but her dismissal triggered a collapse. India's fielding also saw a marked improvement from the previous game, contributing with three sharp run-outs.
Shafali Verma's Fearless Assault Seals the Chase
In reply, India suffered an early setback with the dismissal of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for 14. However, any hopes Sri Lanka had were quickly extinguished by the sheer brilliance of Shafali Verma. Carrying her confidence from the recent World Cup, Verma played a breathtaking innings, remaining unbeaten on 69 from just 34 balls. Her knock was laced with 11 boundaries and a six, showcasing aggressive yet clean hitting.
Her footwork against spin was particularly impressive, as she consistently stepped out to loft the ball over extra cover. Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera bore the brunt of her assault. Jemimah Rodrigues, the newly appointed Delhi Capitals captain, joined the party with a brisk 26 off 15 balls. The pair added a rapid 58-run partnership in just 4.3 overs, effectively ending the contest. India chased down the target with remarkable ease, finishing at 131 for 3 in only 11.5 overs.
Series Momentum Firmly With India
This authoritative victory underscores India's dominance in the series so far. The team displayed a perfect blend of clinical bowling, improved fielding, and explosive batting. The form of Shafali Verma is a major positive, while the depth in the spin bowling resources was on full display. Sri Lanka, now facing a must-win situation in the remaining matches, will need to find answers to India's all-round strength quickly. The third T20I promises to be a crucial encounter as the visitors fight to stay alive in the series.
