India Women Beat Sri Lanka by 30 Runs

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 2025 : India Women continued their dominant run in the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka, clinching the fourth match by 30 runs at the Greenfield International Stadium here on Sunday. In a contest marked by record-breaking batting, spirited chasing, and patchy fielding, India held their composure to register another convincing win and remain unbeaten in the series.

Defending a massive total of 221, India relied on timely wickets from Vaishnavi Sharma and Arundhati Reddy, who picked up two scalps each, to curb Sri Lanka’s aggressive pursuit. Despite a fearless batting display led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, the visitors fell short, finishing on 191 for 6 — their highest-ever total in women’s T20 internationals.

Earlier, India posted 221 for 3, powered by a commanding opening partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Mandhana struck a fluent 80 while Shafali smashed 79, as the Indian openers dismantled the Sri Lankan bowling attack with ease. Their efforts set the tone for what became India’s highest score in women’s T20Is.

Sri Lanka began their chase with remarkable intent, making it clear from the outset that they would go after the daunting target. Hasini Perera set the tempo by hammering three boundaries in the opening over off Renuka Singh Thakur. Arundhati Reddy, drafted into the playing XI in place of the rested Kranti Gaud, endured a tough start as her early deliveries were dispatched to the fence, including a no-ball that resulted in a costly free hit.

India’s attempt to slow the scoring by introducing spin also backfired initially, with Deepti Sharma conceding 13 runs in her first over. Sri Lanka raced to 43 without loss and brought up their fifty in just 3.3 overs, marking one of their fastest starts in T20Is.

The breakthrough finally came in the sixth over when Arundhati dismissed Hasini for a brisk 33 off 20 balls. The opener’s attempt to clear long-off went awry as she mistimed the shot, allowing Harmanpreet Kaur to complete the catch. The wicket briefly checked Sri Lanka’s momentum, with boundaries drying up for a short period.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu, however, continued to anchor the innings with authority. Alongside Imesha Dulani, she ensured Sri Lanka stayed in the hunt through sharp strike rotation and timely boundaries. At the halfway mark, Sri Lanka stood at 95 for 1 — notably six runs ahead of India’s score at the same stage of the innings.

Chamari reached her half-century off just 31 balls, raising hopes of a dramatic finish. But her dismissal proved decisive. Vaishnavi Sharma deceived her in flight, inducing a mistimed shot that was safely taken in the deep. Chamari departed for a well-made 52 off 37 balls, a knock that underlined her leadership and intent.

India’s fielding, however, remained a concern. There were multiple missed chances, including dropped catches and missed stumpings, which gave Sri Lanka brief lifelines. Yet Vaishnavi and Arundhati returned at crucial moments to swing the game back in India’s favour. Vaishnavi finished with impressive figures of 2 for 24, while Arundhati claimed 2 for 42 despite her expensive start.

Run-outs and disciplined bowling in the death overs ensured Sri Lanka could not sustain the required run rate. Though they continued to attack, the asking rate kept climbing, and India eventually sealed the match with a comfortable 30-run margin.

The match also marked a significant personal milestone for Smriti Mandhana. The Indian vice-captain became only the second Indian woman cricketer, after Mithali Raj, to complete 10,000 international runs. Mandhana reached the landmark in style, requiring just 20 balls to score the 27 runs needed before the match. Her 80 off 48 balls was studded with 11 fours and three sixes, underlining her status as one of the finest batters in the women’s game.

Mandhana now joins an elite list that includes New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and former England captain Charlotte Edwards as the only women to cross the 10,000-run mark in international cricket. With 5,322 ODI runs, 629 Test runs, and consistent performances across formats, she remains well placed to surpass Mithali Raj’s tally in the future.

With the series set to conclude on December 30, India will look to maintain their unbeaten run, while Sri Lanka will aim to salvage pride after showing encouraging signs in this high-octane contest.

Brief Scores:
India 221/2 in 20 overs (Smriti Mandhana 80, Shafali Verma 79, Richa Ghosh 40 not out; Malsha Shehani 1-32, Nimasha Madushani 1-40)
Sri Lanka 191/6 in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 52, Hasini Perera 33; Vaishnavi Sharma 2-24, Arundhati Reddy 2-42)
India won by 30 runs.