IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I Highlights: Jemimah's unbeaten fifty gives India 8-wicket win

Inoka Ranaweera returns for what turns out to be the last over, and Rodrigues wastes no time easing a full delivery into the gap at extra-cover for a single. Kaur then steps out to knock one to long-on, and a weak throw back to the bowler slips through the hands—allowing India to steal an extra run and level the scores.

With the target now within touching distance, Kaur calmly tucks a leg-side delivery to deep backward square for another single, bringing the scores level officially. One more fumble in the field gifts Rodrigues the winning run as she works the ball toward mid-wicket—Sri Lanka’s sloppiness in the field proving costly at the very end.

India cross the line with composure, finishing the job without fuss.

 IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (117/2 in 14 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (67*), Harmanpreet Kaur (12*)

Kawya Kavindi returns and is greeted with ingenuity from Rodrigues, who shuffles across and scoops a full ball over short fine for a clever boundary to kickstart the over. She’s seeing it big—and choosing her spots.

She follows up by carving another full delivery toward sweeper cover, but she’s visibly annoyed at not threading the gap—thumping her bat and gesturing at where she wanted it placed. Still, a single keeps her moving.

Kaur joins in with a solid pull to deep mid-wicket for one, before Rodrigues walks across the crease again to drive neatly to long-on.

A slight mix-up then occurs when Kaur lofts down the ground and turns back from the second run, leaving Rodrigues stranded for a moment—though a fumble in the throw prevents any drama.

Rodrigues ends the over by nudging another single to deep mid-wicket, bringing up yet another milestone in this growing partnership—now firmly anchoring India’s innings.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (117/2 in 14 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (67*), Harmanpreet Kaur (12*)

Inoka Ranaweera continues her spell and begins by inviting Kaur down the track. The Indian skipper obliges, nudging a tossed-up delivery to long-off for a single. Rodrigues follows suit, working a flatter ball off the back foot into the gap at mid-wicket to keep the rotation flowing.

Kaur then pierces the infield with a firm drive through cover-point—helped by a diving misfield—which allows her to sneak two. Ranaweera adjusts by taking the pace off, drawing a cautious forward push from Kaur straight to cover.

The rest of the over sees more controlled batting: another single down the ground for Kaur before Rodrigues finishes with a lofted stroke to long-on, settling for one.

It’s smart, patient cricket—India content to collect runs without risk, while Sri Lanka chip away with discipline.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (108/2 in 13 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (60*), Harmanpreet Kaur (10*)

Shashini Gimhani returns, but Rodrigues greets her with absolutely no mercy. After a cautious start—an attempted loft falling short at mid-off—she finds her range and unleashes. A low delivery outside off is pounced on and punched square, beating the sweeper for four.

Then comes the shot of the over: stepping forward and lifting majestically over extra-cover, Rodrigues reaches her fifty with style and flair. The crowd responds with a warm ovation as she raises the bat.

And she’s still not done. A reverse-sweep next—perfectly judged and steered past backward point—leaves the bowler stunned. The carnage continues as a short, wide offering gets carved away, the edge flying fine past short third. Another four.

Sixteen runs off the over, four boundaries, and Rodrigues firmly in the driver’s seat. It’s turned into a statement innings.

 IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (102/2 in 12 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (58*), Harmanpreet Kaur (6*)

Chamari Athapaththu starts with a loose one down leg, gifting Kaur a wide. The Indian skipper follows up by flicking the next delivery to deep backward square to get moving. Rodrigues joins the rotation, working a good-length ball off the back foot to deep mid-wicket.

Kaur then looks to be more aggressive, stepping out and sweeping a flatter one to deep square-leg for a single. Rodrigues continues the pattern, punching down the ground and through mid-on with ease—she’s finding singles at will even without boundaries.

A slightly mistimed loft from Kaur lands safely at long-on, and Rodrigues ends the over nudging straight for another run. It’s controlled, calm batting—low risk, steady returns.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (86/2 in 11 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (42*), Harmanpreet Kaur (6*)

Kavisha Dilhari returns and Rodrigues wastes no time picking up where she left off. She begins by helping one down the leg side, and a small fumble at short fine lets her steal a single. Kaur then joins in, punching a flatter delivery through long-on to keep the strike turning over.

Rodrigues looks completely at ease against the tossed-up leg-break that follows, stepping forward and guiding it down the ground for another single. Kaur then advances confidently down the pitch to loft a drive to long-on, adding one more to the tally as India keep the board moving without taking risks.

But the highlight arrives when Dilhari drops one a touch wider outside off. Rodrigues rocks back, opens the blade, and threads the ball fine past short third with precision. It skims away to the fence for a lovely boundary—timing and placement written all over it.

She finishes the over with a neatly placed shot square of the wicket, big enough to grab an easy couple.

Another productive over for India—Rodrigues continues to look fluent, Kaur is settling in, and the runs keep flowing.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (79/2 in 10 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (39*), Harmanpreet Kaur (3*)

Drama unfolds right from the first ball of the over as Inoka Ranaweera tosses one up and tempts Smriti down the track. She aims for that inside-out loft, usually a safe scoring zone, but Sri Lanka have done their homework—there’s a fielder positioned perfectly at deep extra-cover. Nilakshi de Silva judges it superbly, tumbling forward to complete a sharp catch. Smriti’s stay ends on 25, and that’s a massive wicket with momentum turning.

Harmanpreet Kaur arrives and immediately looks to get busy. She reaches for a wide-ish one but fails to connect, glancing back at the umpire with hopes of a wide—no luck there. She settles down next ball, nudging a flatter delivery through square-leg to get off the mark.

Rodrigues continues to rotate strike, working a quicker one through mid-wicket for a single, while another fuller ball is defended right back to the bowler.

But the real twist comes on the final delivery. Sri Lanka go upstairs, convinced they’ve trapped Kaur in front. Replays tell the tale: a clear inside edge picked up on UltraEdge. The ball would’ve hit the stumps, but thanks to the edge, she survives. The umpire’s original decision stands, and Sri Lanka lose their review in the process.

A wicket, a review, tension at both ends—Ranaweera’s over changes the tone of the innings, and Kaur walks away knowing she’s had a narrow escape.

Smriti Mandhana 25(25) c. N de Silva b. I Ranaweera

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (69/2 in 9 ov), chasing 122. Jemimah Rodrigues (30*), Harmanpreet Kaur (1*)

Kavisha Dilhari kicks off the over with a loose one down the leg side, and although Smriti tries to sweep it away, she can’t connect. The keeper fumbles, but no extra damage done.

From there though, it’s a bit of a stop-start passage for Smriti. She creates room but can’t beat backward point, then twice more she searches for gaps—first missing a tuck down leg, and then being cramped as she tries to step out and drive. Three dots in a row, and Dilhari has her tied down.

Relief finally comes when Smriti goes back and whips a flatter delivery to deep mid-wicket, settling for a single and turning strike over to Rodrigues.

And that’s when the mood changes. Dilhari offers just a touch of width, and Rodrigues is all over it—opening the face and guiding the ball neatly past short third for four, beating Chamari’s chase with ease.

She follows that up with a confident drive through cover to collect a couple more, showing crisp timing and smart placement.

A mixed over for India: Smriti bogged down, Rodrigues brilliantly freeing up the scoreboard.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (67/1 in 8 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (25*), Jemimah Rodrigues (30*)

Inoka Ranaweera steps up and immediately applies the brakes with a composed over. She begins by tempting Rodrigues with a tossed-up delivery outside off, and Rodrigues answers smartly—getting low and scooping it toward fine leg to collect a couple.

But from there, Ranaweera pulls the strings. A teasing good-length ball outside off draws Rodrigues into a delicate glide, but she can only pick out the fielder at short third. She follows up with a fuller delivery straight at the stumps, which Rodrigues drives wide of mid-off for a single.

Smriti then takes her turn, but she too finds the going a little tougher. First, she defends solidly off the back foot toward mid-off, trying to find a gap. Then, when Ranaweera goes flatter and tighter on off, Smriti adjusts—lifting her front leg to punch down the ground for a run.

The over ends with a firm dot to Rodrigues, leaving India with just four runs from it.

After the fireworks of the previous overs, Ranaweera delivers some much-needed control for Sri Lanka—quieting the scoring and building a little pressure.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (59/1 in 7 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (24*), Jemimah Rodrigues (24*)

Shashini Gimhani enters the attack, and the action erupts immediately. Rodrigues gets the party started with a cracking boundary—spotting the googly outside off, using the width, and steering it neatly between backward point and short third. Perfect placement, and it races away.

Then comes a big moment: Gimhani oversteps on the next delivery. Rodrigues takes full advantage of the freebie, leaning forward and lifting it over cover-point. Four more—and on top of that, the umpire calls a front foot no-ball. A free-hit is on the way, and the pressure squarely shifts onto the bowler.

The free-hit itself nearly brings drama of its own—Rodrigues charges down, gets cramped, and skies one to extra-cover, but with no dismissal possible, she’s safe. No run, but a massive sigh of relief.

She gathers herself and tucks the next one to deep mid-wicket, almost looking for two before a slip while turning forces her to settle for just the single.

Smriti then joins in, working a length ball to deep mid-wicket for a run before turning on the style. Gimhani floats one up, and Smriti leans into it, lifting cleanly over mid-on. One bounce and across the rope—four more with almost effortless elegance.

A productive over for India—runs flowing, free-hit drama, and Smriti finishing in style. Momentum firmly with the batting side.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (55/1 in 6 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (23*), Jemimah Rodrigues (21*)

Chamari Athapaththu brings herself on to bowl, coming around the wicket, and immediately targets the stumps. Rodrigues is first to face and does well to get back and punch a flatter delivery wide of mid-on for a comfortable single. That hands the strike to Smriti—who wastes little time making her intentions known.

Smriti sizes up a short, wide ball and pounces, rocking onto the back foot and carving it past a diving backward point for four. Pure timing. Athapaththu tries tossing it up outside off next, inviting the drive, but Smriti finds the fielder. Another delivery outside off meets the same fate—middle of the bat, but straight to cover.

Then comes the moment of quality. Athapaththu floats one full and teasing outside off, and Smriti steps forward before elegantly lifting it over extra-cover. No fuss, just placement and grace as it sails into the gap for another boundary.

The over ends with a fuller ball on the stumps—this time driven straight to extra-cover. No run, but the damage is done.

Smriti’s control and shot selection shine through here—two boundaries that felt effortless, and India continue to build nicely.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (39/1 in 5 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (18*), Jemimah Rodrigues (11*)

Kawya Kavindi switches to round the wicket and starts this over with disciplined lines. Smriti faces the first three balls and can’t quite break free—she tries to punch through the off-side twice and even goes back to force one through extra-cover, but every shot finds a fielder. Three dots on the trot, and Kavindi is right on the money.

Smriti finally gets away on the fourth delivery, adjusting to the angle and pulling a length ball toward deep mid-wicket for a single. Rodrigues then takes strike and immediately looks more proactive—first helping a short ball down leg, only for a brilliant sliding stop at deep backward square to limit her to two.

She keeps the momentum going on the last ball, rocking back to a short-of-length delivery on off and nudging it into the gap at deep backward square for a single.

Not a big over for India, but they’ll take the four runs. Kavindi’s accuracy stands out, and the pressure is building—though Rodrigues seems determined to keep the scoreboard moving.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (30/1 in 4 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (10*), Jemimah Rodrigues (10*)

Madara returns and begins the over with a neat good-length delivery to Smriti, who rocks onto the back foot and knocks it out to sweeper for a comfortable single. That hands the strike to Rodrigues—and suddenly the tempo changes.

Rodrigues first deals with a sharp inswinger, getting forward and only managing a thick inside edge onto the pad. No danger there, but no run either. She answers back next ball by charging down the track and flicking it towards deep backward square. They push hard for two, and Smriti looked a touch slow turning—had the throw hit the stumps, things might’ve gotten interesting.

Sensing Rodrigues settling in, the keeper edges up to the stumps. But Madara’s next ball sits up a little short outside off, and Rodrigues throws her hands at it. She doesn’t get it clean, but fortune favors her—an edge loops over short third, drawing a dramatic shout of despair from the keeper as it races away for four.

Madara slows it up to finish the over, and Rodrigues chooses not to risk anything—just meeting it softly and nudging it to mid-wicket for no run.

A composed end to an eventful over—India chip away, Rodrigues shows both nerves and confidence, and Madara is left wondering how that edge wasn’t a wicket.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (26/1 in 3 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (9*), Jemimah Rodrigues (7*)

And just like that, momentum shifts! Kawya Kavindi, the right-arm pacer, charges into the attack and wastes absolutely no time making an impact. Shafali tries to guide one away, but instead picks out the fielder at point—who dives low and comes up with a terrific catch. Sri Lanka strike early, and the celebrations say it all. India lose their first, and that’s a big one.

Smriti Mandhana, though, refuses to let nerves creep in. She gets a slice of luck—a thick inside edge that whistles dangerously close to the stumps. For a split second, the bails must’ve felt a breeze… but the ball races away past the keeper and into the boundary instead. A lucky four, but hey, they all count!

Sri Lanka may have drawn first blood, but the drama is only getting started.

Shafali Verma 9(5) c Shashini Gimhani b Kawya Kavindi

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (19/1 in 2 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (2*), Jemimah Rodrigues (1*)

Here’s a lively, blog-style rewrite that keeps the drama and flow while adding some punchy excitement:

Wow, what an eventful over to kick things off! The pacer starts with one angled outside the leg stump and jagging back in, but Mandhana is ice-cool—just a gentle tap, no fuss. The calm nearly shatters a ball later, though, as she clips one a touch too close to mid-wicket. For a second, hearts were in mouths… but the fielder completely misjudges it, and Mandhana sneaks through for a single. And just as everyone exhales, the sirens blare—no-ball!

Shafali’s eyes light up at the freebie. She sizes it up, waits… and bam! A clean strike to deep point to kick-start her scoreboard with a boundary. That’s how you announce yourself!

The singles keep trickling in, rotation looking sharp, and wait—what’s this? Harmanpreet drifting to the sidelines, bat in hand. Is she signaling that she’s next in? Or just playing mind games? The plot thickens.

Before anyone can overthink it, Shafali unleashes again—this time, a laser past the covers. Another boundary. Another roar.

Twelve runs off the first over. India’s intent? Loud and clear.

 IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: India (12/0 in 1 ov), chasing 122. Smriti Mandhana (2*), Shafali Verma (9*)

The Indian batters are striding back onto the field—and guess who’s leading the charge? None other than the ever-reliable Smriti Mandhana, cool as you like, walking out with the firecracker herself, Shafali Verma. If you were hoping for early fireworks, buckle up—because with these two at the crease, the boundary ropes might be in for a long day.

And on the other side, it’s Malki Madara with the new ball in hand, looking all set to try and spoil the party. First delivery coming up… and the excitement level just went from zero to stadium roar.

India will be delighted with their bowling performance, having restricted Sri Lanka to 121 for six. Fielding lapses, with dropped chances from Shree Charani and Smriti Mandhana, caused some concern, but the bowlers more than compensated, keeping even set batters under control.

Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with 39 but struggled to maintain a run-a-ball, while Vaishnavi Sharma impressed on debut, finishing with tidy figures of 4-0-16-0.

With dew settling in, India will back themselves to chase down the target, while Sri Lanka will need something special to turn the game around.

Run out! Nilakshi de Silva departs as Sri Lanka fail to build any momentum in the death overs.

De Silva charged down the track and tried to guide a full delivery past long-off. She dives full length to make her ground, but the throw is on target. The on-field umpire refers it to the TV for confirmation.

Replays show the bat lifting briefly, and after a tense review, the telly umpire rules she hadn’t grounded it in time. Nilakshi de Silva is out, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (111/5 in 19 ovs). Kaushani Nuthyangana (3*), Kavisha Dilhari (2*)  

Vishmi Gunaratne’s painful stay at the crease finally comes to an end. She finishes on 39 off 43, featuring a four and a six. Gunaratne slices a full toss straight to Kranti Gaud at backward point and dashes for a quick single, but Kranti stays calm, fires in a perfectly timed throw, and Richa completes the run-out.

Smriti Mandhana will be breathing a sigh of relief after dropping Gunaratne just the ball before, which had flown over long-on for six.

Kavisha Dilhari is the new batter at the crease for Sri Lanka.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (104/4 in 18 ovs). Nilakshi de Silva (5*), Kavisha Dilhari (1*)

4-0-16-0

Vaishnavi Sharma put up an impressive performance on her T20I debut. While she didn’t pick up a wicket, her accuracy and control stood out—she didn’t allow the batters to dominate and didn’t concede a single boundary.

A composed and confident outing that will surely boost her self-belief moving forward.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (95/3 in 17 ovs). Nilakshi de Silva (4*), Vishmi Gunaratne (32*)

Redemption at last for Shree Charani! After a torrid day in the field, she finally has something to cheer about as she dismisses Harshitha Samarawickrama for 21 off 23, breaking a crucial 38-run partnership. You can see the relief written all over her face—Charani can finally smile.

She fires it in quicker, drifting in with the angle. Harshitha shapes up for the reverse sweep but is completely undone by the extra pace. She gets into a tangle, plays all around it, and the ball straightens just enough to clip the top of middle and leg.

A big wicket for India. Nilakshi de Silva is the new batter at the crease.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (91/3 in 16 ovs). Nilakshi de Silva (3*), Vishmi Gunaratne (30*)

Full credit to Jemimah Rodrigues, who dives full length to her right—an outstanding effort in the field. It would be harsh to label that a missed chance. Still, it’s yet another opportunity going down, perfectly capturing India’s difficult day in the outfield.

Arundhati Reddy bangs it in short and wide outside off, Harshitha Madavi throws her hands at the cut and slices it towards backward point, where Jemimah gives it everything but can’t quite cling on.

It’s turning into a nightmare outing in the field for Shree Charani. She had earlier put down Hasini Perera off Vaishnavi Sharma, and now she spills another crucial chance, this time off Arundhati Reddy.

Harshitha Samarawickrama is handed a huge lifeline on 16. She went hard across the line, got a thick top edge on the leg side, and Charani had plenty of time to settle under it. But she completely misjudges the catch, the ball brushing past her fingers and falling safely.

India will be frustrated—these are the chances that can change games

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (85/2 in 15 ovs). Harshitha Samarawickrama (19*), Vishmi Gunaratne (29*)

Drama in the middle!

Harshitha Samarawickrama survives a close LBW call. She attempts the reverse sweep against Deepti Sharma and the on-field umpire, Ankita Guha, raises the finger straight away.

Harshitha shows no hesitation in opting for the DRS, and rightly so. Replays confirm a bottom edge, overturning the on-field decision and keeping her at the crease.

Arundhati Reddy is now back into the attack for India, as they look to capitalise on that moment of pressure.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (77/2 in 14 ovs). Harshitha Samarawickrama (16*), Vishmi Gunaratne (25*)

Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama are beginning to stitch together a partnership, nudging the innings along without taking undue risks. But with the required run rate still under a run a ball, there’s no immediate pressure.

India won’t mind the singles and doubles—it's the boundaries they’ll be keen to shut down.

Vaishnavi Sharma, meanwhile, continues to impress on debut with another tidy over. Her figures now read 3-0-12-0, keeping things tight.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (73/2 in 13 ovs). Harshitha Samarawickrama (15*), Vishmi Gunaratne (22*)

That was nasty, and there’s concern out in the middle as Harshitha receives attention from the physio.

Amanjot Kaur goes really wide of the crease and bangs it in short on the stumps. Harshitha looks to pull but is rushed for pace—the ball whistles past the top edge and crashes into the side of the helmet grille. A frightening moment.

Thankfully, Harshitha is back on her feet now and has resumed her innings, much to the relief of everyone out there.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (63/2 in 11 ovs). Harshitha Samarawickrama (11*), Vishmi Gunaratne (16*)

Just what India needed—and exactly what Sri Lanka didn’t. Deepti Sharma strikes, removing the crucial wicket of Hasini Perera, who was looking well set. She departs for 20 off 23 balls.

Perera shapes up for the reverse sweep, but the ball comes on much quicker than she expects. It takes the thick inside edge and balloons straight to Kranti Goud at short third, who makes no mistake.

Meanwhile, the groundstaff are working overtime, doing their best to keep the dew off the outfield.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (55/2 in 10 ovs). Harshitha Samarawickrama (5*), Vishmi Gunaratne (14*)

That could have been Vaishnavi Sharma’s first wicket in international cricket, but it’s not to be. She tosses one up, Hasini Perera goes for the sweep and gets a top edge, but Sree Charani at short fine leg spills a simple chance.

Hard luck for Vaishnavi—she deserved better on debut.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (49/1 in 9 ovs). Hasini Perera (20*), Vishmi Gunaratne (13*)

Hasini Perera is bringing her experience to the fore, steadily upping the tempo. She finds the boundary in the eighth over, opening the face and steering it fine past short third man for four.

With the required run rate still low, Sri Lanka will be keen to push on and post a big total, especially with the dew beginning to settle in.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (42/1 in 8 ovs). Hasini Perera (17*), Vishmi Gunaratne (9*)

Vaishnavi Sharma shows no signs of nerves on debut, conceding just three runs in her first over in international cricket. A superb start, and that will do wonders for her confidence.

It’s spin from both ends now as Sree Charani, sporting a new haircut, is introduced into the attack for India.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (34/1 in 7 ovs). Hasini Perera (10*), Vishmi Gunaratne (8*)

What a sensational start from Deepti Sharma! She opens her spell with a maiden over, putting the brakes firmly on Sri Lanka. A near-perfect Powerplay for India, while Sri Lanka are left searching for momentum.

Now all eyes turn to Vaishnavi Sharma as she’s introduced into the attack. A stern test awaits the 20-year-old, thrown straight into the action.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (31/1 in 6 ovs). Hasini Perera (9*), Vishmi Gunaratne (6*)

Hasini Perera gets off the mark in style. It’s short of a good length on middle stump, she moves across and neatly works it with the angle into the vacant deep fine leg region.

Sri Lanka will be hoping to make the most of this final over of the Powerplay.

Deepti Sharma is now into the attack for India.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (31/1 in 5 ovs). Hasini Perera (9*), Vishmi Gunaratne (6*)

WICKET! Kranti Goud strikes, maiden T20I wicket for the speedster!

Chamari Athapaththu, who was looking dangerous, is back in the pavilion. Coming around the wicket, Goud jagged one in and rattled the stumps—what a delivery!

Chamari had started to put pressure with two classy fours earlier in the over, but Kranti produced a stupendous comeback to get the breakthrough.

Hasini Perera walks in at the crease to join the innings. Chamari departs for 15 off 12.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (19/1 in 3 ovs). Hasini Perera (1*), Vishmi Gunaratne (2*)

Arundhati bowled a probing spell with good length and seam movement, keeping the batters under pressure. Chamari Athapaththu was circumspect, taking singles and missing one on a swinging delivery, while Gunaratne nudged a couple of singles off good-length balls. The fielders, especially Deepti, made excellent stops to limit scoring.

IND vs SL, 1st Women's T20I: Sri Lanka (10/0 in 2 ovs). Chamari Athapaththu (7*), Vishmi Gunaratne (2*)

We’re just moments away from the start of the match. Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne are walking out to open the innings.

Kranti Goud will take the new ball for India.

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana(w), Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Kawya Kavindi, Shashini Gimhani

Vaishnavi Sharma ended the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker, claiming 17 scalps in six matches at an impressive economy of 4.35. On Tuesday, January 21, she produced a dream T20I debut, snaring a five-wicket haul and a hat-trick in the same match, finishing with brilliant figures of 4-1-5-5 against Malaysia in the Group A clash at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur.

With that feat, Vaishnavi became only the second bowler, after South Africa’s Madison Landsman, to record a hat-trick in the tournament’s history. Despite her exploits, she went unsold in last month’s WPL auction in New Delhi.

She had earlier impressed in the Senior Women’s Inter-Zonal T20 Trophy, finishing as the joint-highest wicket-taker. Representing Central Zone, she claimed 12 wickets in five matches at an economy of 6.28, including a four-wicket haul. Yet again, she went unsold in the WPL 2026 auction, showing that sometimes talent has to wait for its big break.

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

And here comes Vaishnavi Sharma onto the field, receiving her T20I cap from skipper Harmanpreet Kaur! What a special moment for the youngster.

Just months ago, she was dazzling at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, taking a sensational hat-trick and a five-wicket haul to help India lift the trophy.

Fast forward to today, and she’s making her maiden appearance for the senior national team. Truly, it’s been an unforgettable year for this talented left-arm spinner!

Just a month ago, Jemimah Rodrigues was celebrating India’s historic ODI World Cup win. Now, she’s back in action, eyes firmly set on the next challenge as India gear up for a rigorous build-up to next year’s T20 World Cup.

Smriti Mandhana is on the verge of a major milestone, aiming to become the first Indian batter to score 4,000 runs in Women’s T20Is.

Currently just 18 runs shy of the landmark, she has accumulated 3,982 runs from 153 matches at an average of 29.93 and a strike rate of 123.97, including one century and 31 half-centuries.

New Zealand’s Suzie Bates was the first player to achieve this feat.

Most runs in Women’s T20Is

• Suzie Bates (New Zealand) – Matches: 177, Runs: 4716
• Smriti Mandhana (India) – Matches: 153, Runs: 3982
• Harmanpreet Kaur (India) – Matches: 182, Runs: 3654
• Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka) – Matches: 146, Runs: 3458
• Sophie Devine (New Zealand) – Matches: 146, Runs: 3431

Vizag is set to host a T20I for the first time since 2014. Back then, the pitch offered little help to batters, with first-innings scores averaging around 118. Over the past 11 years, however, the surface has improved significantly, providing much more batting-friendly conditions, as showcased during this year’s ODI World Cup.

The weather looks ideal for cricket, with no rain expected and temperatures around 24°C. Humidity will stay in the low to mid-70s, creating comfortable conditions for players and fans alike.

India have largely dominated Sri Lanka in T20Is, winning 20 of their 26 meetings, while Sri Lanka have managed five victories and one match ended without a result.

On home soil, India have won four of the six encounters, though Sri Lanka’s most notable success came last year with their Asia Cup final triumph last year.