Renuka and Deepti Shine as India Secures Series Victory
India showcased a commanding performance in the third T20I, securing an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. The match took place in Thiruvananthapuram, where India chased down a modest target of 113 runs. This win completed the series with an impressive 3-0 lead.
Key Performers Shine
Shafali Verma was the standout player, scoring an impressive 79 runs off just 42 balls. Her powerful innings included multiple boundaries and significantly contributed to India’s successful chase.
On the bowling front, Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma were instrumental. Renuka claimed four wickets for 21 runs, while Deepti took three wickets for 18 runs, ensuring Sri Lanka could only manage 112 runs for 7 in their innings.
Match Overview
- Match Location: Thiruvananthapuram
- India’s Score: 115 for 2
- Sri Lanka’s Score: 112 for 7
- Result: India won by 8 wickets
- Shafali Verma’s Score: 79* (42 balls)
- Renuka Singh’s Bowling Figures: 4 wickets for 21 runs
- Deepti Sharma’s Bowling Figures: 3 wickets for 18 runs
Bowling Strategy and Success
India’s strategy was clear: win the toss and choose to bowl. Renuka’s return from injury was marked by an aggressive spell that troubled the Sri Lankan batsmen. She managed to dismiss key players, including Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, as Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships.
Despite a brief resistance from Imesha Dulani and Kavisha Dilhari, who added 40 runs for the fifth wicket, Sri Lanka fell short of a competitive score. Their innings was characterized by a lack of stability, culminating in a score of 112 after 20 overs.
Dominant Batting Performance
In response, India’s innings was led by Shafali Verma’s explosive batting. She struck early boundaries, swiftly reaching a significant total that made up 68.7% of India’s overall runs. Shafali’s innings included a remarkable array of shots, highlighting her skills and confidence at the crease.
Smriti Mandhana struggled initially but was supported effectively by Shafali. With a solid partnership, India reached its target with 40 balls to spare, showcasing their dominance throughout the series.
Historic Milestone for Harmanpreet Kaur
This victory marked a significant achievement for captain Harmanpreet Kaur, as it was her 77th win in T20I matches. With this, she surpassed former Australian captain Meg Lanning to become the most successful captain in women’s T20 cricket history.
Conclusion
India’s dominant series victory, highlighted by strong individual performances from Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma in bowling, and Shafali Verma in batting, sets a high standard in women’s cricket. Their ability to execute a successful game plan consistently bodes well for future competitions.
