Thiruvananthapuram, India – In a resounding display of power-hitting and strategic bowling, the Indian Women’s Cricket team secured a dominant 30-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth T20 International, taking an unassailable 4-0 lead in the five-match series. This breaking news analysis confirms India’s comprehensive supremacy, highlighted by record-breaking performances from its batting stalwarts and a disciplined bowling effort.

A Batting Masterclass: Mandhana and Verma Rewrite History

The Greenfield International Stadium witnessed a spectacular batting exhibition as openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma orchestrated a record-shattering 162-run partnership. This wasn’t just any stand; it now stands as India’s highest partnership for any wicket in Women’s T20 Internationals, a testament to their incredible synergy and destructive potential. After being asked to bat first – a strategic deviation from the previous three games where India chased – the duo unleashed a relentless assault on the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Smriti Mandhana, known for her elegant strokeplay, returned to her prolific best after a relatively quiet series. Her innings of 80 runs was a blend of pristine drives and powerful hits, particularly on the on-side where she dispatched three sixes. Mandhana’s contribution was doubly significant as it saw her join an elite club, becoming only the fourth batter globally – after compatriot Mithali Raj, New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, and England’s Charlotte Edwards – to amass 10,000 international runs across all formats. This milestone underscores her consistent brilliance and pivotal role in Indian cricket.

Partnering her was the explosive Shafali Verma, who continued her red-hot form, registering her third consecutive half-century in the series. Her blazing 79 off just 46 balls, laced with 12 fours and a six, showcased her fearless approach. While a maiden T20I century was tantalisingly close, her aggressive intent set the perfect platform. The partnership, now their fourth alliance of 100 or more, further bettered their own record of 143 against West Indies in 2019, signalling a formidable opening combination for India.

The Explosive Finish: Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur Accelerate

Even after the departure of Mandhana and Verma in quick succession, India’s momentum didn’t wane. The finishing touches were provided by the hard-hitting Richa Ghosh, who smashed an unbeaten 40 off a mere 16 balls, including four fours and three sixes. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur also chipped in with a brisk 16 not out off nine deliveries. Their unbroken 53-run stand for the third wicket propelled India to their highest Women’s T20I total ever – a mammoth 221 for two. Such a formidable score not only underlines India’s batting depth but also reflects the evolving landscape of women’s T20 cricket, where totals once considered unattainable are now being breached with increasing frequency.

Sri Lanka’s Spirited Chase and the Rising Asking Rate

Chasing 222 was always going to be an uphill battle, but Sri Lanka started with admirable intent. Opener Hasini Perera, with a brisk 33 off 20 balls (7 fours), and captain Chamari Athapaththu, scoring a superb 52 off 37 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes), provided early fireworks. Athapaththu, a perennial thorn in India’s side, once again displayed her expansive range of strokes, keeping Sri Lanka’s hopes alive. The early aggression ensured a high-scoring powerplay, keeping pace with the demanding run-rate.

However, despite their valiant efforts, the sheer magnitude of the target combined with the relentlessly rising asking rate proved too much for the island nation. Wickets began to tumble in a flurry towards the end, ultimately restricting Sri Lanka to 191 for six in their 20 overs. While scoring 191 against any team is commendable, it fell short of India’s formidable total, underscoring the pressure exerted by such a colossal target.

India’s Bowling Prowess: Vaishnavi Sharma’s Impact

On a flat pitch that offered little respite to the bowlers and where any deviation in line or length was severely punished, India’s bowlers showed remarkable composure. The standout performer was young spinner Vaishnavi Sharma, who delivered an impressive spell of 2 for 24 from her four overs. Her ability to exert pressure was evident through her nine dot balls, crucial in a high-scoring encounter. Sharma’s vital breakthroughs included the dangerous Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama (20), stemming Sri Lanka’s momentum at critical junctures.

Pacer Arundhati Reddy also chipped in with crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 42. She broke the threatening 59-run opening stand by dismissing Hasini Perera in the sixth over and later accounted for Kavisha Dilhari (13). The collective bowling effort, led by Sharma’s intelligence and Reddy’s timely strikes, ensured that despite Sri Lanka’s strong start, India maintained control and ultimately secured a comfortable victory.

Series Domination: A Strong Statement for Indian Women’s Cricket

The 4-0 lead in the five-match series is a powerful statement of intent from the Indian Women’s team. This dominance showcases not only the individual brilliance of players like Mandhana, Verma, and Sharma but also the overall strength, depth, and tactical acumen of the squad. To secure four consecutive wins, adapting to different match situations and consistently outperforming the opposition, speaks volumes about their current form and preparation.

This series has been a platform for both established stars to reaffirm their class and for emerging talents like Vaishnavi Sharma to shine under pressure. The team’s ability to post a record total and then defend it against a spirited chase highlights their all-round capabilities – a critical factor for success in major tournaments. The synergy between experienced players and dynamic youngsters bodes well for India’s future campaigns.

Looking Ahead

With the series already decided, the fifth and final T20I, scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram on December 30, presents an opportunity for India to complete a clean sweep and further consolidate their position as a formidable force in women’s T20 cricket. For Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to salvage some pride and fine-tune their strategies against a top-tier opponent.

India’s performance in this series underscores their growing confidence and skill, setting an exciting precedent for what promises to be a thrilling journey ahead for Indian Women’s Cricket.

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