India vs Sri Lanka Highlights, 3rd WT20I: Shafali Verma's unbeaten fifty drives India to series-win

India produced a commanding all-round performance to wrap up a comfortable win in the 3rd Women’s T20I against Sri Lanka. After being asked to chase a modest target, the spotlight firmly belonged to Shafali Verma, who set the tone from the outset with her trademark intent. She mixed clean hitting with smart placement, bringing up a fluent half-century and never allowing the run rate to dip.

At the other end, Harmanpreet Kaur played the perfect supporting role, rotating strike calmly before opening up with a few confident boundaries of her own. Together, the pair ensured there were no late nerves, keeping Sri Lanka’s bowlers under constant pressure.

Earlier, India’s bowlers had done the hard work by restricting Sri Lanka to a below-par total, striking at regular intervals and choking the flow of runs. The chase was wrapped up swiftly, with Shafali sealing the win in style. A dominant display that underlined India’s control throughout the contest.

India win by 8 wickets

Shafali Verma finished it in style. After Harmanpreet Kaur took a quick single, Shafali stepped up and drilled Malsha Shehani for a boundary to seal the chase with authority. A dominant finish to cap a confident innings from India.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (114/2 in 13.2 ov); Shafali Verma (79*), Harmanpreet Kaur (21*)

Harmanpreet Kaur took charge in the over, opening with a classy four straight down the ground. After that, it was all about smart rotation as both batters kept ticking the scoreboard with singles. Inoka Ranaweera stayed disciplined, but India still picked up a healthy nine runs to keep the momentum going.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (110/2 in 13 ov); Shafali Verma (75*), Harmanpreet Kaur (20*)

Shafali Verma kept the tempo high as Malsha Shehani returned to the attack. She danced down the track, muscled a powerful slog-sweep for four, and rotated strike smartly. Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with calm singles as India collected handy runs and stayed firmly in control.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (101/2 in 12 ov); Shafali Verma (73*), Harmanpreet Kaur (13*)

Inoka Ranaweera mixed her pace, but Shafali Verma still found a way through. After a couple of quiet dots, Shafali swept smartly for four to keep the pressure on. Harmanpreet Kaur rotated strike with a brace and a single as India picked up seven steady runs from the over.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (92/2 in 11 ov); Shafali (67*), Harmanpreet (10*)

Kavisha Dilhari is in for her third over. Shafali wastes no time and goes for the quicker delivery and slogs it away for a six over mid-wicket. No time being wasted here with dots. The singles keep rolling in to make it 11 off the over.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (85/2 in 10 ov); Shafali (63*), Harmanpreet (7*)

Inoka Ranaweera continues her spell. Mixes up her lengths well and her pace. But Harmanpreet comes down the track and creams it to the mid-wicket region for the boundary. Almost hits the ball-girl there as well. Seven runs from the over

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (74/2 in 9 ov); Shafali (55*), Harmanpreet (5*)

Kavisha Dilhari comes back into the attack. Goes for the flat deliveries here, but it seems to be on the leg-stump line. Wrong way to go for Jemimah, who is so good behind square. The leg-break delivery gets swept towards the square-leg region for four runs. Jemimah now goes after the inside-out drive here, goes high, but does not clear the ropes. Chamari Athapaththu is there in deep cover but fumbles it altogether. Follows it up with another double, but the bowler has the bragging rights here with one on the leg-stump line, but now it turned away onto the stumps. 

Jemimah Rodrigues 9(5) b. Kavisha Dilhari

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (67/2 in 8 ov); Shafali (53*), Harmanpreet (0*)

Inoka Ranaweera kept things tidy with a quiet over, giving away just five singles. Shafali Verma nudged the ball around calmly, while Jemimah Rodrigues worked hard for her runs without finding the boundary. No risks, no drama — just steady accumulation as India moved along smoothly.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (60/1 in 7 ov); Shafali (53*), Jemimah (3*)

Shafali Verma turned the over into a highlight reel. She opened with a calm single, then crunched a gorgeous four through extra-cover before sealing a superb half-century with another run. Malki Madara tried mixing pace, but Shafali’s timing and confidence stole the show, while Jemimah Rodrigues rotated strike quietly.

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (55/1 in 6 ov); Shafali (50*), Jemimah (1*)

Shafali Verma isn't ready to slow down one bit as she is tearing apart the Sri Lankan spin department. She takes down Nimesha for 19 runs in the fifth over with three boundaries and one six. India have got 46 so far and 44 have come from Shafali's bat. The Indian opener has one more over to maximise. 

 IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (47/1 in 5 ov); Shafali (45*), Jemimah (0*)  

Kaveesha gets the big wicket of Smriti Mandhana once again. The Indian opener tries to go for her signature sweep shot and gets hit on the pads. After a long appeal the umpire gives it and Smriti goes for the review. The ball is on line and the only thing that would have saved her is the inside edge. And DRS shows that there is nothing on snicko. Jemimah also gets a scare early on as Kaveesha thinks she got the wicket and Chamari goes for a review. The third umpire can't find conclusive evidence to overrule the infield umpire and Jemimah survives. 

 IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (27/1 in 4 ov); Shafali (25*), Jemimah (0*)  

Sri Lanka gets debutant Nimasha on and Shafali welcomes her with a boundary. A fielding change has been enforced by Shafali just hitting it straight down the ground and then she decides to send it to the leg side. The over finishes with a boundary as well. Smriti Mandhana is being time to slowly build her innings here and play the anchor role. 

 IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (26/0 in 3 ov); Shafali (25*), Smriti (1*)

So the Indian openers are out in the middle. Last time Shafali Verma was the star and India will be hoping Smriti Mandhana gets some form going. Sri Lanka are starting off with spin. After three balls of restraint, Shafali just whacks the ball straight down the ground and over the fence. The next one is a boundary and followed with another. 

IND vs SL 3rd WT20I Live Score: India (14/0 in 1 ov); Shafali (14*), Smriti (0*)

Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum after losing early wickets in the powerplay. Renuka Singh set the tone with pace and movement, removing the openers and keeping the pressure high. Hasini Perera looked fluent early, but her dismissal triggered a collapse that left Sri Lanka on the back foot.

Imesha Dulani and Kavisha Dilhari offered brief resistance in the middle overs, using the sweep and lofted shots to push the score along. However, Deepti Sharma broke the partnership at a key moment and later struck again to shut down any hopes of a strong finish. India’s bowlers stayed disciplined at the death, mixing slower balls with tight lines.

Sri Lanka finished on 112 for 7, a below-par total. India’s control with the ball, sharp fielding, and timely wickets ensured they stayed on top throughout the innings.

Amanjot Kaur wraps up the innings with a disciplined final over, despite Kaushani Nuthyangana finding a boundary late. Sri Lanka scramble hard for twos and singles, but the slower balls and tight lines keep the damage limited. A seven-run finish feels modest after the brief late resistance, with India’s bowlers firmly winning the contest.

India need 113 to win

Sri Lanka (112/7 in 20 ovs). Kaushani Nuthyangana (19*), Malki Madara (1*)

Vaishnavi Sharma’s over gives Sri Lanka a small late boost. Kaushani Nuthyangana finally finds the fence with a strong sweep, adding urgency to the closing stages, while Malki Madara chips in with a fortunate single. India still control the finish, but Sri Lanka scrape together valuable runs heading into the final over.

Sri Lanka (105/7 in 19 ovs). Kaushani Nuthyangana (12*), Malki Madara (1*)

Deepti Sharma delivers another crushing blow as India tighten the noose. After a brief escape when a return chance went down, Shehani is undone by flight and dip, missing completely as the ball clips the top of off. It’s Deepti’s third wicket of the night and Sri Lanka slide further, managing just two runs from the over as the tail struggles to respond.

Malsha Shehani 5(11) b Deepti Sharma

Sri Lanka (98/7 in 18 ovs). Kaushani Nuthyangana (6*), Malki Madara (0*)

Amanjot Kaur keeps things under control despite a dropped chance in the deep. Sri Lanka managed to rotate strike through nudges and soft hands, with Malsha Shehani showing urgency between the wickets. Six runs come off the over, but India won’t be too concerned — the dots still outweigh the risks as the innings crawls toward the finish.

Sri Lanka (96/6 in 17 ovs). Malsha Shehani (4*), Kaushani Nuthyangana (5*)

Renuka Singh caps a ruthless spell by locking Sri Lanka down after the breakthrough. Following Imesha Dulani’s dismissal, new batter Malsha Shehani is immediately tested with cutters and skid off the surface, producing a string of dot balls. Any hopes of late acceleration are stalled as India squeezes hard heading into the final phase.

Imesha Dulani 27(32) c Jemimah Rodrigues b Renuka Singh

Sri Lanka (90/6 in 16 ovs). Kaushani Nuthyangana (3*), Malsha Shehani (0*)

Vaishnavi Sharma keeps things tidy as Sri Lanka negotiates another low-risk over. Imesha Dulani looks to manufacture runs with gentle lofts, while Kaushani Nuthyangana chips in with a sweep for two. There’s brief confusion mid-pitch after a fumble in the ring, but India escapes without damage. It’s steady progress rather than acceleration as Sri Lanka eyes a late push.

Sri Lanka (85/5 in 14 ovs). Imesha Dulani (25*), Kaushani Nuthyangana (0*)

Deepti Sharma delivers the breakthrough India were hunting for, ending the dangerous stand right on cue. Kavisha Dilhari had looked fluent, sweeping and lofting with confidence, but her attempt to clear deep mid-wicket proved one shot too many. Amanjot Kaur judged it perfectly on the rope, handing Deepti her landmark 150th T20I wicket. Sri Lanka pick up a few more runs, but the momentum is checked again.

Kavisha Dilhari 20(13) c Amanjot Kaur b Deepti Sharma

Sri Lanka (85/5 in 14 ovs). Imesha Dulani (25*), Kaushani Nuthyangana (0*)

Sri Lanka continue their fightback with a high-energy over against Kranti Gaud. Imesha Dulani innovates brilliantly, shuffling across to scoop a full ball for four before rotating strike. Kavisha Dilhari ups the ante with a confident pull for six, capitalising on a loose short ball. Two wides add to India’s troubles as 14 runs come off the over, shifting momentum slightly after a long squeeze.

Sri Lanka (77/4 in 13 ovs). Imesha Dulani (24*), Kavisha Dilhari (13*)

Sri Lanka finally break free with a productive over against Shree Charani. Imesha Dulani shows intent, charging down to loft one straight and following it up with smart rotation. Kavisha Dilhari then joins the counterattack, stepping out confidently and lifting one elegantly over extra cover for four. After a long period of containment, Sri Lanka collect 11 from the over and inject much-needed momentum into the innings, though India still hold the upper hand with wickets in hand.

Sri Lanka (63/4 in 12 ovs). Imesha Dulani (19*), Kavisha Dilhari (6*)

Amanjot Kaur’s second over finally gives Sri Lanka a hint of momentum. Imesha Dulani survives a chance early, then makes India pay with a bold charge and a clean lofted four over cover. Singles and a bye follow, lifting the run rate after a long squeeze. Kavisha Dilhari chips in with a nudge down leg, but India still keep things mostly in check despite the missed opportunity in the deep.

Sri Lanka (52/4 in 11 ovs). Imesha Dulani (13*), Kavisha Dilhari (1*)

Renuka Singh finishes a superb over by completely shutting the door on the new batter. Kavisha Dilhari is tested immediately with inswing, bounce and tight lines, but she survives with a string of watchful dot balls. After the LBW drama earlier in the over, this is total control from India — no release shots, no singles, just pressure piling on as Sri Lanka limp to the 10-over mark.

Sri Lanka (45/4 in 10 ovs). Imesha Dulani (6*), Kavisha Dilhari (0*)

Renuka Singh produced another decisive moment as India’s review overturned the on-field call and sent Nilakshika Silva packing. Silva shuffled across, missed the nip-backer and was trapped plumb in front, despite initial doubts about height and line. India were confident, Harmanpreet led the charge, and ball-tracking backed them all the way. Just before that, Imesha Dulani had slashed a fortunate four and picked up a single, but the wicket stalled Sri Lanka again as pressure kept mounting.

Nilakshika Silva lbw b Renuka Singh 4(9)

Sri Lanka (45/4 in 9.3 ovs). Imesha Dulani (1*), Kavisha Dilhari (0*)

Amanjot Kaur hits the deck hard and keeps Sri Lanka firmly under check. Nilakshika Silva looks for a room with a series of cuts but can’t pierce the infield, beaten twice by extra bounce. A brace through mid-wicket briefly lifts the tempo, but it’s followed by more dots and a harmless wide. India’s bowlers continue to dictate terms, forcing Sri Lanka into survival mode rather than recovery.

Sri Lanka (40/3 in 9 ovs). Imesha Dulani (1*), Nilakshika Silva (6*)

No damage, just dots and singles as Vaishnavi Sharma keeps things tight on debut. Imesha Dulani struggles to get going, while Nilakshika Silva nudges a single to rotate strike. India stay firmly on top after a big previous over.

Sri Lanka (34/3 in 7 ovs). Imesha Dulani (1*), Nilakshika Silva (1*)

Renuka Singh turned the fifth over into absolute chaos. It began with Hasini Perera slashing an edge for four, but the celebration was short-lived. A subtle tweak in length, a smart fielding switch by Harmanpreet Kaur, and Perera edged straight to Deepti Sharma at short third. Two balls later, Renuka struck again — Harshitha Samarawickrama chipped one straight back, and the bowler did the rest herself. Two wickets in three balls, openers gone, and Sri Lanka’s powerplay momentum vanished in a heartbeat.

Harshitha Samarawickrama 2(4) c and b Renuka Singh

Hasini Perera 25(18) c Deepti Sharma b Renuka Singh

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Sri Lanka (32/3 in 6 ovs). Imesha Dulani (0*), Nilakshika Silva (0*)

Deepti Sharma has delivered the crucial breakthrough for India, removing the dangerous Chamari Athapaththu. Short of rhythm, Athapaththu struggled to get going, managing just three runs off 12 balls as the pressure steadily built.

Looking to break free, she charged down the track to Deepti, who cleverly dragged the ball wider. Athapaththu swung across the line, only to get a top edge that looped up for a simple catch at mid-on. A timely wicket for India, and Athapaththu’s scratchy stay comes to an end.

Harshitha Samarawickrama has joined Hasini Perera in the middle. 

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Sri Lanka (20/0 in 3 ovs). Harshitha Samarawickrama (2*), Hasini Perera (21*)

Hasini Perera, who struggled to convert starts in the first two games, looks far more fluent today, already finding the boundary on three occasions.

At the other end, Chamari Athapaththu hasn’t quite broken free yet, choosing to take her time as Sri Lanka look to build a solid opening stand.

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Sri Lanka (20/0 in 3 ovs). Chamari Athapaththu (3*), Hasini Perera (17*)

Deepti Sharma has replaced Renuka Singh Thakur after the pacer was taken off following a solitary over that cost 12 runs.

Kranti Goud then delivered a tidy second over, helping India claw back some control and make amends for the expensive start.

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Sri Lanka (14/0 in 2 ovs). Chamari Athapaththu (2*), Hasini Perera (12*)

Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera have launched Sri Lanka’s innings with intent, putting the Indian bowlers under early pressure. Perera, opening the batting, took on Renuka Singh Thakur straightaway, carving her through point before following it up with a fluent drive through the covers for another boundary.

It was a forgettable return for Renuka, who leaked 12 runs in her opening over on comeback, allowing Sri Lanka to seize early momentum.

IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I: Sri Lanka (12/0 in 1 ovs). Chamari Athapaththu (1*), Hasini Perera (11*)

The Indian players gather in a tight huddle, locked in an intense final discussion before the start.

Out in the middle, Sri Lanka openers Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera get set to begin the chase, while Renuka Singh Thakur stands ready with the new ball, poised to open the attack for India.

Smriti Mandhana is just 28 runs short of becoming the second Indian woman to reach the 10,000-run mark in international cricket, underlining her remarkable consistency across formats at the highest level.

Most runs in Women's internationals

• Mithali Raj (IND-W): 333 matches, 10,868 runs

• Suzie Bates (NZ-W): 355 matches, 10,652 runs

• Charlotte Edwards (ENG-W): 309 matches, 10,273 runs

• Smriti Mandhana (IND-W): 280 matches, 9,972 runs

• Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG-W): 278 matches, 8,197 runs

• Harmanpreet Kaur (IND-W): 346 matches, 8,088 runs

• Meg Lanning (AUS-W): 235 matches, 8,007 runs

• Laura Wolvaardt (SA-W): 207 matches, 7,702 runs

• Ellyse Perry (AUS-W): 347 matches, 7,607 runs

• Heather Knight (ENG-W): 303 matches, 7,626 runs

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Imesha Dulani, Kaushani Nuthyangana(w), Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara, Nimesha Madushani

Note: The visitors have left out Vishmi Gunaratne, Kawya Kavindi and Shashini Gimhani. Malsha Shehani and Nimesha Madushani have come into the XI along with mesha Dulani. 

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Richa Ghosh(w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani

India have won the toss and opted to bowl first here in Trivandrum. The hosts have made a couple of changes to their playing XI, with Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma coming in for Sneh Rana and Arundhati Reddy.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have made three changes of their own, including the inclusion of Imesha Dulani, along with two other players. The stage is set for an intriguing contest!

Sri Lanka have faltered in all departments, with sporadic contributions with the bat and little success with the ball, leaving India firmly in control.

Heading into the third T20I, India are overwhelming favourites, while Sri Lanka will need a near-perfect performance to even make a contest of the series.

Jemimah Rodrigues remains a doubt for the game after missing India’s training session on Thursday. While head coach Amol Muzumdar assured that the batter is doing well, she continues to be closely monitored by the medical team.

Should Rodrigues be ruled out, India could turn to Harleen Deol or hand a debut to G Kamalini, with Vaishnavi Sharma’s strong showing in the second T20I potentially strengthening the case for a fresh face in the XI.

Sneh Rana made a strong case in Deepti Sharma’s absence, bowling with control and dismissing Chamari Athapaththu in an economical spell. 

With Deepti now declared fit for the next game, India face a selection dilemma, one that could place Amanjot Kaur under scrutiny after her limited involvement so far.

Heading into the next game, Harmanpreet Kaur stands on the verge of history.

One more win will see the Indian captain become the most successful leader in Women’s T20Is, moving past the legendary Meg Lanning. With 76 victories already to her name,

Harmanpreet’s record is a reflection of her longevity, authority, and impact at the highest level.

The Vizag games were one-sided affairs, with India brushing aside Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka to race to a 2-0 lead through sheer control and class.

Riding the momentum of their recent World Cup triumph, India have looked ruthless and unflappable, a step ahead in every department.

As the action shifts to Trivandrum for the third T20I, Sri Lanka are staring at a stern test, needing a near-perfect performance to halt an Indian side that seems firmly in cruise control.