Shafali Verma’s Blazing Fifty Leads India to T20 Victory Over Sri Lanka
The Indian women’s cricket team showcased an impressive performance against Sri Lanka, securing a commanding seven-wicket victory in the second T20 match of the 2025 series. The match took place at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Tuesday.
Match Overview
After winning the toss, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to field first. Sri Lanka struggled to post a competitive score, finishing their innings at 128 runs for nine wickets. This disciplined bowling display by India allowed them to restrict the opposition effectively.
Key Bowling Performances
- Shree Charani: 2 wickets for 23 runs
- Sneh Rana: 1 wicket for 11 runs
- Vaishnavi Sharma: 2 wickets for 32 runs
Deepti Sharma, ranked at the top of the T20I bowling chart earlier that day, was rested due to a mild fever.
Batting Highlights
Shafali Verma spearheaded India’s chase with a dazzling 69 runs off just 34 balls. Her innings included 11 boundaries and a six, allowing India to reach their target in just 11.5 overs. This victory marked a 2-0 lead for India in the five-match series.
Sri Lanka’s Inning Breakdown
Sri Lanka began their innings strongly, with captain Chamari Athapaththu contributing 31 runs from 24 balls. However, her dismissal in the sixth over significantly hindered their momentum:
- Harshitha Samarawickrama: 33 runs off 32 balls
- Hasini Perera: 22 runs off 28 balls
Despite a few solid partnerships, Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for a mere 24 runs, resulting in a disappointing total.
India’s Chase Details
India’s chase began briskly, with Smriti Mandhana’s early wicket not affecting their momentum. Jemimah Rodrigues provided effective support with 26 runs off 15 balls. The duo kept the required run rate under control, putting Sri Lankan bowlers on the back foot.
Final Moments
By the end of the powerplay, India stood at 68 for 1. Shafali Verma completed her half-century in just 27 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur’s late wicket did not alter the match, as Richa Ghosh scored the winning runs on her first ball.
Upcoming Matches
The two teams are scheduled to meet again for the third match of the series at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday.
Match Summary
| Team | Total | Wickets | Overs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 128 | 9 | 20 |
| India | 129 | 3 | 11.5 |
With Shafali Verma’s remarkable contribution, India has proven its strength in the T20 format, setting a competitive tone for the series ahead.
