India's Stellar Win: Mandhana & Verma Shine!

In an electrifying fourth T20I match held in Thiruvananthapuram, India showcased their dominance against Sri Lanka, winning by 30 runs and taking a 4-0 lead in the series. The star performers were Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who delivered exceptional batting displays to propel India to a record total of 221 runs.

Smriti Mandhana, who had struggled in the earlier matches with scores of 25, 14, and 1, finally found her rhythm, scoring a sensational 80 runs off just 48 balls. Her innings included numerous boundaries that set a brisk pace for the Indian innings. Mandhana expressed that transitioning back to T20 format after playing a lot of ODIs was mentally challenging, but she had a strategic approach to tackle the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Shafali Verma also made a significant contribution with her innings of 79 runs. The duo formed a record partnership, amassing 162 runs for the first wicket, which is the highest for India in women's T20Is. Their aggressive batting style and ability to rotate the strike kept the scoreboard ticking, even as Sri Lankan spinners attempted to curb the run flow.

Despite losing Mandhana and Verma in quick succession, Richa Ghosh's explosive 40 off 16 balls provided the much-needed final push for India. The team finished their innings at a formidable 221 runs, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target.

In response, Sri Lanka started strong, with a quick-fire partnership between Hasini Perera and Chamari Athapaththu. However, Perera’s wicket fell at a crucial moment, and the required run rate continued to climb. Athapaththu, who scored 52, tried to anchor the innings but ultimately fell to a brilliant delivery from Vaishnavi Sharma.

As the innings progressed, Sri Lanka struggled to maintain the required pace, and despite a valiant effort from Imesha Dulani, they ended their innings at 191 runs. India's bowlers executed their plans well, ensuring that Sri Lanka could not chase down the target.

This match not only highlighted India's batting prowess but also showcased their depth in bowling. The win marks a significant milestone in the series, reflecting the team's hard work and determination. As they head into the final match of the series, India will look to cement their dominance in women's cricket.