Source: Cricbuzz

In a display of sheer batting brilliance and unwavering dominance, the Indian Women’s team solidified their unassailable lead in the ongoing Sri Lanka Women tour of India, 2025. The fourth match of the series saw openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma etch their names into the record books, forging a monumental 162-run partnership that powered India to a commanding total of 221. This formidable effort proved insurmountable for the visiting Sri Lankan side, who fell well short of the target, handing India a decisive 4-0 lead in the series.

A Partnership for the Ages: Mandhana and Verma’s Record Breaker

The Build-up and the Brilliance

Stepping onto a pitch that offered a balanced contest between bat and ball, the stage was set for India’s dynamic opening duo. From the very first over, it was evident that Mandhana and Verma were in a class of their own. Mandhana, with her quintessential elegance and silken touch, peppered the off-side with exquisite drives and cuts, showcasing her textbook technique. Her ability to find gaps with surgical precision, coupled with excellent running between the wickets, kept the scoreboard ticking at a healthy pace.

At the other end, Shafali Verma was a force of nature. True to her aggressive reputation, Verma unleashed a barrage of powerful strokes, taking on the Sri Lankan bowlers with fearless abandon. Her audacious lofted shots over mid-on and mid-off, alongside her brutal pulls and sweeps, demoralized the opposition attack. The contrasting yet complementary styles of the two batters created a captivating spectacle. While Mandhana milked singles and punished loose deliveries with grace, Verma ensured there was no respite for the bowlers, regularly clearing the ropes and finding the boundary.

The synergy between the left-handed Mandhana and the right-handed Verma was simply breathtaking. They rotated the strike with ease, turning ones into twos and frustrating the fielders. The Sri Lankan captain tried various bowling changes, bringing on pacers and spinners alike, but none could breach the fortress that Mandhana and Verma had built. As the partnership blossomed, so did the records. They cruised past the 50-run mark, then the century stand, each milestone celebrated with mutual appreciation and fierce determination. The crescendo came as they surpassed the previous highest opening partnership for India, culminating in an awe-inspiring 162-run stand that laid an impregnable foundation for India’s innings. This record-breaking effort wasn’t just a numerical feat; it was a masterclass in aggressive, yet controlled, opening batting.

India’s Total: More Than Just a Partnership

The Middle Order’s Contribution and Late Flourish

Following the departure of the record-breaking openers, Sri Lanka might have hoped for a collapse, but the Indian middle order, albeit briefly tested, ensured that the momentum was not entirely lost. While the blistering pace set by Mandhana and Verma naturally slowed down, the subsequent batters played sensible cricket, prioritizing consolidation and aiming for a competitive total. Wickets fell at slightly more regular intervals than during the opening stand, but crucial contributions from players lower down the order helped maintain pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers.

The innings saw a few quick cameos and intelligent rotation of strike, ensuring that the run rate remained respectable. Despite the record partnership accounting for a significant chunk of the runs, the ability of the middle and lower order to add another 59 runs after the openers’ departure was vital. It highlighted the depth in India’s batting lineup and their collective resolve to post a formidable score. The final total of 221 was a testament to the team’s all-round batting prowess – a blend of explosive power at the top and strategic accumulation through the middle. On a surface that had a little something for everyone, 221 was deemed an excellent total, putting immense pressure on the chasing side.

Sri Lanka’s Chase: A Mountain Too High

Early Setbacks and Indian Bowling Dominance

Chasing 222 for victory, the Sri Lankan openers faced a daunting task, not just because of the target, but also due to the psychological impact of the record partnership they had just witnessed. The Indian bowlers, energized by their batters’ performance, started with palpable intent. Leveraging the fresh pitch and a keen understanding of the conditions, India’s pace attack bowled tight lines, forcing the Sri Lankan batters to play defensively. The early breakthroughs came swiftly, thanks to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding. The pressure mounted from both ends, as the Indian bowlers picked up crucial wickets, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order before they could find any rhythm.

The spinners, introduced after the initial burst, maintained the stranglehold. Their variations and guile created doubts in the minds of the Sri Lankan batters, making scoring freely an arduous task. Each dot ball amplified the pressure, and the rising required run rate only added to their woes. The Indian fielding was exemplary, with every catch taken cleanly and every run saved meticulously. This collective effort meant that Sri Lanka never truly managed to build any significant partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals and finding themselves in a precarious position early in their chase.

A Fading Hope

As the innings progressed, the grim reality began to sink in for Sri Lanka. Despite some valiant efforts from their middle-order batters to consolidate and accelerate, the asking rate continued to climb relentlessly. Occasional boundaries provided fleeting moments of hope, but these were quickly snuffed out by the relentless Indian bowling and fielding. There was no single batter who could replicate the kind of sustained aggression or strategic accumulation that Mandhana and Verma had displayed earlier in the day.

The Indian bowlers rotated efficiently, ensuring that no batter could settle in and dictate terms. The pressure was constant, and eventually, the Sri Lankan innings fizzled out well short of the target. The margin of victory underscored India’s comprehensive dominance, not just with the bat, but also with the ball and in the field. It was a complete team performance that left Sri Lanka with little to no room for a comeback.

The Series Narrative: India’s Unstoppable Momentum

A Look at the 4-0 Lead

Securing a 4-0 lead in a five-match series is a powerful statement of intent and a clear indicator of superior performance. For the Indian Women’s team, this unassailable advantage is a testament to their meticulous planning, exceptional execution, and collective team spirit throughout the tour. Each victory has been built on different pillars – sometimes a dominant batting display, at other times a clinical bowling effort, and always backed by sharp fielding.

The 4-0 lead signifies more than just wins; it represents a comprehensive outclassing of the opposition across all departments. It speaks volumes about the depth of talent within the squad, with different players stepping up at crucial moments. For Sri Lanka, while the series has been tough, it offers valuable learning opportunities, highlighting areas where they need to strengthen to compete consistently at the international level. As the series heads into its final match, India will undoubtedly be eyeing a clean sweep, looking to cap off a truly dominant performance with a perfect 5-0 record, further cementing their status as a formidable force in women’s cricket.

Player of the Match and Key Takeaways

Who Stood Out?

While cricket is a team sport, the exceptional efforts of individuals often shine brightest. In this encounter, it was undoubtedly the record-breaking opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma who were the undisputed stars. Their 162-run stand not only set up the victory but also provided the day’s most memorable moments. Given their pivotal role in setting such a high target, either Mandhana or Verma, or perhaps even both sharing the honor, would be the frontrunners for the Player of the Match award.

Beyond the openers, the collective effort of the Indian bowlers and fielders also deserves significant praise. Their ability to defend the total with such conviction, picking up wickets consistently and applying relentless pressure, was instrumental in sealing the comprehensive win. This match underscored the importance of strong opening partnerships and the impact they can have on the entire game’s trajectory.

What This Means for Indian Cricket

The Mandhana-Verma partnership isn’t just a record; it’s a statement about the potent force India possesses at the top of the order. This consistent brilliance from two of the world’s most exciting batters bodes incredibly well for the future of Indian women’s cricket. It instills confidence, not just within the team, but also among the burgeoning fan base.

The series dominance against Sri Lanka showcases the team’s depth, strategic acumen, and ability to perform under pressure. It sends a strong message to other international teams about India’s growing strength and ambition. Such performances are crucial in building momentum towards major tournaments and in inspiring the next generation of cricketers across the nation. The future looks incredibly bright for the Women in Blue, with a blend of experienced stars and dynamic young talent propelling them towards greater glory.

The fourth match of the series was a spectacle of power, precision, and dominance from the Indian Women’s team. The record-breaking partnership between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma laid the foundation for an emphatic victory, ensuring India’s unassailable 4-0 lead. As they look towards a potential clean sweep, this performance serves as a powerful reminder of India’s formidable strength and their unwavering quest for cricketing excellence.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on news aggregated from multiple cricket sources. Cricket Mantra provides analysis and insights to cricket fans worldwide.