The Indian women’s cricket team continued its winning momentum and sealed an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. In the third T20I held at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India defeated the visitors convincingly by eight wickets, courtesy of a stunning unbeaten innings from Shafali Verma.

India Wins Toss, Dominates the Game

India won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that worked perfectly in their favor. The Sri Lankan batters struggled to build partnerships against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Despite a few early boundaries, the visitors could only post 112/7 in 20 overs.

Renuka Singh Thakur made a remarkable return with the ball, striking at crucial moments to keep Sri Lanka under pressure. Meanwhile, star all-rounder Deepti Sharma claimed three wickets, and with her latest achievement, she now equals Australia’s Megan Schutt as the highest wicket-taker in Women’s T20 Internationals, with 151 wickets.

Sri Lanka’s Innings: Early Promise, Sudden Collapse

Sri Lanka started on a positive note with Hasini Perera smashing two boundaries in Renuka’s opening over, scoring a brisk 25. She, along with captain Chamari Athapaththu, tried to stabilize the innings, but India soon clawed back.

Key turning points of the first innings:

• Deepti Sharma dismissed Athapaththu to break the early partnership.

• Renuka Singh struck twice in the sixth over — removing Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama — reducing Sri Lanka to 32/3.

• Renuka struck again in her second spell, trapping Nilakshika Silva LBW.

• A 40-run stand between Kavisha Dilhari and Imesha Dulani brought temporary relief for Sri Lanka.

• Deepti ended the stand and continued applying pressure.

Frequent wickets prevented Sri Lanka from accelerating, leaving them with a below-par total on a batting-friendly pitch.

Shafali Verma Steals the Show

Chasing a modest target of 113, India got off to a fiery start as Shafali Verma showcased her trademark aggressive batting. She dominated the powerplay with clean hitting and excellent strike rotation. Despite losing Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues — both dismissed by Kavisha Dilhari — India remained well in control.

Shafali continued to hammer boundaries at will, timing the chase perfectly. Her blistering knock of 79 off just 49 balls* ensured India crossed the finish line comfortably in 13.2 overs with eight wickets in hand.

The victory not only highlighted India’s superior form but also showcased Shafali’s growing maturity as a match-winner.

Series Situation

With this dominant win:

• India now leads the series 3-0

• They have already sealed the T20I series

• Two more games remain, giving India a chance to complete a clean sweep

Key Match Highlights

What’s Next?

India’s clinical display suggests they are in prime form ahead of upcoming international events. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have a lot to reflect on — especially their middle-order stability and power-hitting depth.

The fourth T20I will be crucial for Sri Lanka to regain confidence, while India will look to continue their dominant run and aim for a 5-0 whitewash.