Sneh Rana Steals The Show (Image: SLC)
Sneh Rana Steals The Show (Image: SLC)

India made a commanding start to the Women’s Tri-series, delivering a masterclass with both bat and ball to crush Sri Lanka by nine wickets. After a frustrating three-hour rain delay, the tournament finally got underway at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Once play resumed, Team India wasted no time asserting their dominance over Sri Lanka.

Toss and India’s Smart Decision

The heavy downpour forced the game to be reduced to 39 overs per side. Conditions were tricky, the pitch was damp, and bowlers were expected to have a field day. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur made the obvious but tactical choice to bowl first. The moisture-laden pitch practically screamed “bowl first!” and India’s bowlers listened closely.

India’s Dominant Bowling Performance

India’s bowling was nothing short of clinical. They kept the Sri Lankan batters guessing and never allowed them to settle.

Off-spinner Sneh Rana, who made her ODI comeback after December 2023, led the charge with figures of 3/31 from her eight overs. She attacked the stumps relentlessly, mixing her flight and pace cleverly. She took the wickets of Hasini Perera, Hansima Karunaratne and Nilakshika Silva to finish with figures of 8-0-31-3. It was the kind of spell that puts a bowler in the opposition’s nightmares.

Shree Charani stepped onto the field and bowled like a seasoned pro, delivering a sensational performance on debut. She claimed 2/26 in her full quota of eight overs, displaying pure skill and maturity without a hint of nerves.

Veteran Deepti Sharma added her usual magic with the ball, taking 2/22 in 5.1 overs. Whenever Sri Lanka seemed like they might put together a partnership, Deepti was there to break it. Another debutant, Kashvee Gautam, might not have picked up a wicket, but her control was impressive. Bowling seven overs for just 22 runs, she squeezed the run flow and kept the pressure on.

Sri Lanka’s Struggle with the Bat

It was a tough day at the office for Sri Lanka. They looked scratchy right from the get-go and never quite recovered. Hasini Perera tried to anchor the innings, scoring 30 off 46 balls. She looked composed but needed more support from the other end. Kavisha Dilhari showed some intent with a brisk 25 off 26 balls. Sadly for Sri Lanka, her promising innings was cut short just as she was beginning to look dangerous.

The biggest disappointment was Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu, who managed only 7 runs. Her early dismissal sent shockwaves through the lineup, and the rest followed suit like dominoes. Sri Lanka introduced two debutants, Malki Madara and Piumi Wathsala, but they had a baptism of fire against a charged-up Indian team. Not much impact yet, but surely a learning experience.

It’s one thing to have favorable conditions; it’s another to use them smartly. India’s bowlers were disciplined, aggressive, and intelligent. They pitched the ball up, attacked the stumps, and kept the pressure on relentlessly.

India’s Commanding Chase

After a stunning bowling display, India’s batters came out with the perfect mix of caution and aggression. Pratika Rawal, calm as a monk under pressure, scored an unbeaten 50. She timed her innings beautifully, building partnerships and steering India home safely. Smriti Mandhana, India’s ever-reliable star, contributed a fluent 43. Her presence at the crease ensured there were no early jitters.

Team India (Image: SLC)
Team India (Image: SLC)

Harleen Deol added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 48 off 71 in an unbeaten 95-run stand for the second wicket with Pratika. It was a clinical chase, wrapped up in just 29.4 overs.

What This Victory Means for Team India

This dominant win sends a strong message: India is here to dominate. With their bowlers in red-hot form and the batters oozing confidence, they’re serious contenders for the title. If this match is anything to go by, the Indian women’s team is poised for something special in this tournament.

India will look to continue their winning momentum when they face Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa on Tuesday, April 29 in Colombo.

Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here