Sri Lanka and India Women produced a run-fest in Thiruvananthapuram, recording the third-highest aggregate in the history of Women’s T20 Internationals, as both teams crossed the 190-run mark in a thrilling encounter.

Coming into the 4th T20I after suffering a 3–0 series defeat, Sri Lanka took the field with a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, lacking their regular frontline bowlers. The team management appeared to place greater emphasis on strengthening the batting unit, a decision that was clearly reflected in their approach.

India were without Jemimah Rodrigues, who missed the match due to illness, with Harleen Deol coming into the XI. Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first, but the Indian openers responded in emphatic fashion.

Mandhana–Verma Dominate with Record Partnership

Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma shattered records, registering the highest opening partnership in Indian Women’s T20I history. The pair added 162 runs for the first wicket in just 92 deliveries.

Mandhana scored a fluent 80, while Verma contributed 79, marking yet another milestone partnership between the duo. Notably, India’s three highest T20I partnerships in women’s cricket have all come from Mandhana–Verma combinations, underlining their dominance at the top.

With her knock of 80, Mandhana also crossed the 10,000 international runs milestone, becoming only the fourth woman cricketer to do so. She achieved this landmark in the fewest innings, adding another remarkable record to her illustrious career.

India Post Record Total of 221

Late fireworks from Richa Ghosh, who smashed 40 off just 16 balls, helped India score 53 runs in the death overs, propelling the total to 221. This became India Women’s highest-ever T20I score and the fourth time they have crossed the 200-run mark in the format.

For Sri Lanka, young left-arm spinner Nimasha Mepage claimed her first international wicket, while Malki Madara chipped in with one dismissal.

Sri Lanka Respond with a Historic Chase

Sri Lanka Women matched India’s intent with the bat, producing a fearless reply. While India scored 61 without loss in the powerplay, Sri Lanka were equally impressive, reaching 60 for 1 in the same phase.

India maintained the edge during the middle overs, but Sri Lanka continued to counter-attack, eventually finishing on 191 for 6 in their 20 overs. This effort marked Sri Lanka Women’s highest-ever total in T20 Internationals.

It was also:

• The fourth-highest total ever scored against India
• The third-highest aggregate in Women’s T20I history where both teams crossed 190

Previously, this feat had only been achieved once before, during a 2023 match between Australia and West Indies.

Milestones for Chamari Athapaththu and Young Stars Shine

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu played her 150th Women’s T20 International, becoming the 8th player to reach the milestone. She scored her 14th T20I half-century, extending her record as Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in the format.

• Hasini Perera scored 33 off 20 balls, hitting 4 fours and 7 sixes
• Nilakshi de Silva remained unbeaten on 23 off 11
• Harshitha Samarawickrama scored 20 off 13
• Imesha Dulani top-scored with 29 off 28, her highest T20I score

In the bowling department, Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with figures of 2 for 24, while Arundhati Reddy claimed 2 for 42. Deepti Sharma bowled economically, conceding just 31 runs in her four overs.

Smriti Mandhana was deservedly named Player of the Match.

Positive Signs Despite Defeat

Although Sri Lanka suffered a 30-run defeat, their aggressive batting display against one of the strongest bowling attacks in women’s cricket was highly commendable. The match served as a clear example of how breaking away from an overly defensive mindset can elevate the team’s overall performance.

Youngsters Imesha Dulani and Kaushini Nuthyangana also showcased promising talent throughout the series, offering positive signs for the future.

The final match of the series will be played tomorrow night at the same venue. With Chamari Athapaththu’s playing contract set to expire on December 31, and head coach Rumesh Ratnayake’s contract ending on January 31, questions remain about the future.

Despite previously hinting at retirement from international cricket, there is optimism that Chamari Athapaththu will continue with the national side at least until the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in England next June.