India Women continued their dominant run in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, sealing an unassailable 3–0 lead with an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the third match at Thiruvananthapuram. The contest was defined by a ruthless bowling performance followed by a calm yet aggressive batting display, headlined by Shafali Verma’s unbeaten 79. Chasing a modest target, India completed the task in just 13.2 overs, underlining the gulf in form and execution between the two sides as the five-match series moved decisively in the hosts’ favour.
The third T20I encapsulated India’s growing confidence and balance as a unit. From disciplined bowling spells that choked Sri Lanka’s scoring options to a fearless chase that never allowed pressure to build, India controlled every phase of the match. For Sri Lanka, the defeat highlighted familiar issues with batting depth and an inability to counter sustained pressure, problems that have persisted throughout the tour.
Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma dominate as Sri Lanka struggle to post a competitive total
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first at the Greenfield Stadium, Sri Lanka began with cautious intent, aiming to build a platform before accelerating. The opening overs offered some resistance, with the visitors reaching the four-over mark without losing a wicket. However, the lack of intent early on meant that the scoring rate remained subdued, allowing India’s bowlers to dictate terms from the outset.
The turning point came with the return of Renuka Singh Thakur, who was playing her first T20I since December last year. From her very first spell, Renuka looked sharp and rhythmical, extracting movement with the new ball and unsettling the Sri Lankan top order. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, expected to anchor the innings, fell for just three runs off 12 balls, a dismissal that drained momentum from the visitors’ innings. Soon after, Harshitha Samarawickrama departed after scoring only two runs, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling early despite having wickets in hand.
Renuka’s spell was a study in controlled aggression. She consistently hit the right lengths, forced batters to play away from their bodies, and capitalised on any hint of movement. Finishing with figures of four for 21, she pushed Sri Lanka firmly onto the back foot and ensured that partnerships never developed. Her performance set the tone for the rest of the bowling unit, which operated with clarity and discipline.
Deepti Sharma complemented Renuka perfectly from the other end. The off-spinner’s control and ability to vary pace proved too much for Sri Lanka’s middle order. Deepti claimed three wickets and, in the process, reached the landmark of 150 T20I wickets, becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker in women’s T20I history. Her achievement added another layer of significance to India’s performance, reflecting her consistency and longevity at the highest level.
As wickets fell regularly, Sri Lanka’s batting order struggled to regroup. Hasini Perera offered brief resistance with a 25-run knock, but she found little support from the other end. At one stage, Sri Lanka were four down for 45 runs, and from there the slide accelerated. Seven wickets fell by the time the team reached 98, and the final total of 112 for seven in 20 overs was well below what would be considered competitive on a surface that offered value for shots.
India’s fielding also played its part, with sharp ground coverage and alert catching ensuring that Sri Lanka were denied easy singles. The collective effort meant that by the end of the innings, India walked off with clear control of the contest, knowing that the chase, barring a collapse, should be straightforward.
Shafali Verma’s authority in the chase seals series as India march on confidently
Chasing 113 for victory, India signalled their intent immediately. The opening overs were brisk, with 26 runs coming in the first three overs, ensuring that the required run rate was never a concern. Although Smriti Mandhana was dismissed early for one run off six balls, trapped leg-before by Kavisha Dilhari, the setback did little to alter India’s approach.
Shafali Verma, batting with a blend of composure and controlled aggression, took charge of the innings. Rather than forcing the pace unnecessarily, she picked her moments, targeting loose deliveries and rotating the strike efficiently. Jemimah Rodrigues provided support at the other end, and together they guided India past the 50-run mark without taking undue risks. Jemimah’s knock of nine off 15 balls ended in the eighth over, but by then the chase was firmly under control.
The arrival of captain Harmanpreet Kaur further stabilised the innings. With the pressure completely off, Shafali accelerated smoothly, bringing up her half-century in the presence of her captain. Her innings was notable not just for the runs scored but for the maturity she displayed, a trait that has increasingly defined her game in recent times. Having also scored a half-century in the second T20I, Shafali looked in complete command, dictating terms against a Sri Lankan attack that struggled for answers.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers found it difficult to create chances. Kavisha Dilhari was the only bowler to make an impact, claiming both Indian wickets to fall, but the lack of support from the rest of the attack meant that breakthroughs came too late to influence the outcome. Malsha Shehani, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage and Inoka Ranaweera went wicketless, unable to stem the flow of runs or build sustained pressure.
Shafali remained unbeaten on 79, while Harmanpreet finished on 21, as India crossed the line in just 13.2 overs. The emphatic nature of the chase highlighted India’s batting depth and confidence, traits that have been evident throughout the series. By winning the third match, India not only secured the series but did so in a manner that underlined their superiority in all departments.
The victory also continued a pattern established in the opening games. India had won the first T20I by eight wickets and the second by seven wickets, and the third followed a similar script of bowling dominance followed by a clinical chase. With an unassailable 3–0 lead in the five-match series, India now have the luxury of experimenting and fine-tuning combinations ahead of the remaining matches.
The fourth T20I is scheduled for December 28, followed by the fifth and final match on December 30, both to be played in Thiruvananthapuram. While the series result is already decided, India will be keen to maintain momentum and complete a clean sweep, using the remaining games to test bench strength and refine strategies. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be searching for pride and positives, hoping to end the tour with improved performances and lessons for the future.
Shafali Verma’s commanding innings, combined with Renuka Singh’s incisive bowling and Deepti Sharma’s milestone achievement, made the third T20I a comprehensive showcase of India’s strength. As the series progresses, the hosts’ blend of youth, experience, and clarity of purpose continues to set a high standard, reinforcing their status as one of the most formidable sides in women’s T20 cricket.
