India Secures Dominant 82-Run Victory

India showcased their batting prowess in a resounding 82-run win against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium, avenging their Asia Cup defeat and boosting their chances of reaching the Women's T20 World Cup semifinals. This comprehensive victory, India's largest by runs in the history of Women's T20 World Cups, not only improved their Net Run Rate (NRR) but also eliminated Sri Lanka from the tournament following their third consecutive loss.

India’s batters, who had struggled in the early stages of the tournament, finally hit top form. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the charge with an unbeaten 52 off 27 balls, while vice-captain Smriti Mandhana contributed a well-crafted 50 off 38 deliveries. Shafali Verma played a pivotal role at the start, scoring 43, as India posted an imposing total of 172/3 – the highest of the tournament so far. For Sri Lanka, whose batting frailties were evident even before this match, the target proved far beyond reach.

After opting to bat first, India took their time before finding rhythm. It wasn't until midway through the third over that Verma hit a boundary, launching Udeshika Prabodhani’s delivery over extra cover. Mandhana, initially slow with just eight runs from her first 12 balls, broke free in the final over of the Powerplay with a powerful shot down the ground, helping India reach 41 runs in the first six overs.

Mandhana’s innings was defined by her ability to loft the ball with precision, including a towering six off Inoka Ranaweera. As she picked up pace, India added 37 more runs in the four overs following the Powerplay, with Mandhana surpassing her aggressive partner Verma. The two built a 98-run opening partnership, tying the record for the most 50-plus stands in Women’s T20Is. The partnership ended in the 13th over when Mandhana was run out soon after reaching her half-century, followed by Verma’s dismissal on the next ball, giving Chamari Athapaththu her only wicket.

Despite the quick dismissals, India quickly regained momentum. While Mandhana favoured shots through the off-side, Kaur employed powerful slogs and sweeps. She smashed a six and a four off Sugandika, followed by two more boundaries in Athapaththu's over, and capped her innings with back-to-back fours in the final over to register the fastest half-century for India in a Women’s T20 World Cup. India’s aggressive approach yielded 18 fours and two sixes, setting Sri Lanka an uphill battle.

India’s dominance wasn’t limited to batting; their fielding was equally impressive. Radha Yadav’s diving catch off the second ball set the tone, dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne early in Sri Lanka’s chase. Renuka Thakur claimed two wickets, including Harshitha Madavi’s edge to the keeper, while Shreyanka Patil’s sharp turn resulted in Athapaththu being caught at first slip. After losing three wickets in the first 14 balls, Sri Lanka’s hopes were all but dashed.

India’s objective then became limiting Sri Lanka to under 127 runs to surpass New Zealand’s NRR. They went beyond expectations, restricting Sri Lanka to just 90. Asha Sobhana and Arundhati Reddy each took 3 for 19, sealing India’s win with a ball to spare.

Brief scores:  

India 172/3 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 52, Smriti Mandhana 50, Shafali Verma 43; Chamari Athapaththu 1-29)  

Sri Lanka 90 in 19.5 overs (Asha Sobhana 3-19, Arundhati Reddy 3-19)  

India won by 82 runs.