India Women continued their commanding run in the T20I series on Tuesday, registering a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the second T20I at Visakhapatnam to take an unassailable 2–0 lead. It was yet another one-sided contest, underlining the hosts’ superiority with both bat and ball.
It was yet another one-sided contest, underlining the hosts’ superiority with both bat and ball.
Chasing a modest target of 129, India made light work of the run chase, overhauling the total in under 12 overs. While Smriti Mandhana fell early, the setback hardly disrupted India’s momentum as Shafali Verma produced a breathtaking knock to put the game beyond Sri Lanka’s reach.
Shafali was in sublime touch, peppering the boundary and maintaining relentless pressure on the bowlers. She shared a rapid 58-run partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues, who chipped in with a brisk 26 off 15 balls. Shafali carried on unfazed after Jemimah’s dismissal, bringing up a superb half-century and remaining unbeaten on 69 off just 34 deliveries. Richa Ghosh walked in to strike the winning runs, sealing another emphatic victory.
Earlier, Sri Lanka Women struggled to capitalise after opting to bat first. Despite a steady start, they lost momentum in the latter half of the innings and were restricted to 128 for 9. Captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a fluent 31, while Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera provided brief support. However, the regular fall of wickets prevented Sri Lanka from accelerating at the death.
India’s bowlers were disciplined and incisive. Sneh Rana stood out with figures of 1 for 11, while Vaishnavi Sharma claimed her maiden WT20I wicket and finished with two scalps. Sree Charani also picked up two wickets, and Kranti Gaud chipped in with one, ensuring Sri Lanka never truly broke free.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, meanwhile, found little margin for error defending such a low total. The new-ball pacers struggled with control and leaked extras, a costly issue against a batting line-up in full flow. Kavisha Dilhari, Kawya Kavindi and Malki Madara managed a wicket apiece, but the visitors were left with plenty to reflect on.
Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match. The victory also marked Harmanpreet Kaur’s 76th WT20I win as captain, drawing her level with Australia’s Meg Lanning as the joint-most successful captain in the format.
With the series already sealed, attention now shifts to the third T20I, to be played at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on December 26, where India will look to complete a clean sweep while Sri Lanka fight to restore pride.
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