Visakhapatnam, December 22 (|Sports Desk)
India Women made a dominant return to T20I cricket, defeating Sri Lanka Women by 8 wickets in the opening match of the five-match series at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. This was India’s first international outing since winning the Women’s ODI World Cup in November 2025.
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and elected to field first, citing dew as a factor. The decision paid off as India’s bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to a modest 121/6 in 20 overs.
Key Performances in Sri Lanka’s Innings:
- Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with 39 off 43 balls.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed 21 off 23.
- Deepti Sharma (1/20), Kranti Gaud (1/23), and N. Shree Charani (1/30) led India’s disciplined bowling effort, with three run-outs adding pressure.
Chasing 122, India lost opener Shafali Verma early for 9 (caught off Kawya Kavindi). However, Smriti Mandhana (25 off 25 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues rebuilt with a 54-run stand for the second wicket.
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Mandhana reached 4000 T20I runs during her innings, becoming only the second woman to do so (after Suzie Bates). After Mandhana’s dismissal by Inoka Ranaweera, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur (15* off 16) sealed the chase with an unbeaten 55-run partnership.
Jemimah Rodrigues starred with an unbeaten 69 off just 44 balls (10 fours), showcasing flawless footwork and precise off-side shots. She finished the game with a single, securing victory in 14.4 overs (with 32 balls to spare).
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues, who said: “100 percent. That was my mindset. When it looks good, extend the form so much… I just reacted to the ball.”
Brief Scores:
- Sri Lanka Women: 121/6 (20 overs) – Vishmi Gunaratne 39; Deepti Sharma 1/20.
- India Women: 122/2 (14.4 overs) – Jemimah Rodrigues 69*, Smriti Mandhana 25; Inoka Ranaweera 1/17.
India lead the series 1-0. The second T20I is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, at the same venue.
