Visakhapatnam, December 23, 2025 – In a performance that truly underscored their growing dominance in T20 international cricket, the India Women’s team delivered a commanding seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the second T20I, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series. Spearheaded by a blistering unbeaten half-century from Shafali Verma, India chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 128/9 with a staggering 49 balls to spare, showcasing an intent and firepower that left their opponents reeling.

Sri Lanka’s Struggle for Momentum

Having won the toss, India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur elected to bowl first, a decision that proved instrumental in setting the tone for the match. Sri Lanka’s innings, despite promising starts from captain Chamari Athapaththu (31) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33), never truly gathered the necessary momentum. The visitors struggled to accelerate, with a steady fall of wickets preventing any substantial partnerships from flourishing. Hasini Perera also provided ‘useful support,’ but the overall scoring rate remained subdued.

The disciplined Indian bowling attack, coupled with an exceptional fielding display, kept Sri Lanka on a tight leash. Sneh Rana was particularly impressive, conceding a mere 11 runs while picking up a crucial wicket. Vaishnavi Sharma celebrated her maiden WT20I wicket, finishing with two, while Arundhati Reddy also bagged a brace. Kranti Gaud chipped in with one wicket, contributing to a collective effort that stifled the Lankan batters. Perhaps the most telling statistic of Sri Lanka’s struggles was the three run-outs, a clear indication of India’s heightened intensity and agility in the field – a ‘marked improvement’ from their previous outing, as noted by observers.

India’s Clinical Chase: A Statement of Intent

Chasing 129 for victory, India Women got off to a ‘flying start’, leaving no doubt about their intent to finish the game swiftly. Although Smriti Mandhana fell early, it ‘hardly made a difference’ to India’s relentless pursuit. The spotlight, however, was firmly on the young sensation, Shafali Verma.

Verma was in an ‘outstanding’ rhythm, finding the boundaries ‘at will’ and constantly putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under immense pressure. Her aggressive approach was perfectly complemented by Jemimah Rodrigues, who joined her at the crease. The duo forged a rapid 58-run stand that effectively ‘sealed the deal’ for India. Rodrigues played a brisk cameo, departing after a quickfire 26 off just 15 balls, having set the stage for Verma to complete the formalities.

Shafali Verma’s Masterclass: A Beacon of Power Hitting

Shafali Verma continued her ‘merry march’ after Rodrigues’ dismissal, reaching a superb half-century in just 27 balls – her 12th in T20Is. Her unbeaten knock of 69 off 34 deliveries was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting, featuring powerful drives and pulls that repeatedly breached the field. The fluency with which she found the gaps and cleared the ropes underlined her growing maturity and confidence as a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup.

The pace of India’s chase was astonishing. In the first T20I, they took 14.4 overs to chase 122; in this game, they overhauled 129 in under 12 overs (11.5 overs to be precise). This acceleration isn’t just about winning; it’s a powerful statement about the team’s capabilities and their strategic approach to T20 cricket, aiming to maximize net run rate and assert psychological dominance.

Even though Harmanpreet Kaur fell for 10 runs, attempting a cheeky paddle shot off Malki Madara with the scores level, Richa Ghosh walked in to strike the winning runs, punching a short ball wide of extra cover for a single. The match concluded with 49 balls to spare, cementing India’s comprehensive victory.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

This dominant 2-0 series lead is more than just a statistical advantage; it’s a testament to the comprehensive strength of the India Women’s team. The bowlers laid a solid foundation, showcasing discipline and wicket-taking ability, while the fielders displayed a marked improvement in their efforts, including crucial run-outs. The batting, led by Verma’s fireworks, demonstrated depth, aggression, and the ability to execute under pressure.

For Sri Lanka, this series presents a significant challenge. While individual contributions like Athapaththu’s are valuable, the team needs to find a way to build momentum, convert starts into substantial scores, and counter India’s multifaceted attack. Their bowling unit will also need to devise strategies to contain India’s aggressive top order, particularly a rampant Shafali Verma.

Looking ahead, India Women are clearly building a formidable unit, capable of competing with the best in the world. Performances like this, where all three departments fire in unison, highlight their potential to not only win bilateral series but also make deep runs in major ICC tournaments. The remaining matches in the five-match series, while perhaps less about the series result, will be crucial opportunities for both teams to fine-tune their strategies and test their bench strength, especially for Sri Lanka seeking a morale-boosting win.

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