Sri Lanka women hope for a stronger showing in final T20I
Thiruvananthapuram: India aim to complete a 5-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka in the fifth and final women’s T20 International on Tuesday. The series has been a key part of India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup in England next June-July. After exiting the 2024 T20 World Cup at the group stage, India adopted a more aggressive approach, which has brought them two series victories this year.
The Indian bowlers have been the main drivers of dominance, often giving their batters little work in the opening matches. However, Shafali Verma has emerged as a constant threat, scoring three half-centuries in four games at a strike rate of 185.82. Fielding remains an area of concern, with India missing crucial chances in the first and fourth T20Is.
Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has made a successful return to T20s after a year-long absence, while Deepti Sharma continues her consistent form. Debutant left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with four wickets at an economy rate of 5.73, making her joint-highest wicket-taker of the series.
The fourth T20I saw India’s highest opening partnership in women’s T20Is, as Shafali and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana put on 162 runs off 92 balls. Mandhana’s 80 off 48 balls and Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 40 off 16 deliveries helped India post 221 for 2, with Sri Lanka responding with 191 for 6. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu showed signs of recovery with 52 off 37 balls, but India’s momentum has been too strong throughout the series.
