India Women capped an outstanding home season with a 15-run victory over Sri Lanka Women in the fifth and final T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, sealing the series 5-0.
IND W vs SL W 5th T20I: Match Context
India Women entered the final match having already secured a 4–0 lead in the five-game series. The hosts were intent on maintaining their dominance and ending the tour with a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka Women aimed to salvage pride and build momentum for future fixtures.
On a batting-friendly pitch under lights, both teams displayed intent, but India’s superior depth in batting and bowling ultimately proved decisive.
Key Match Stats
- India Women: 175/7 (20 overs)
- Sri Lanka Women: 160/7 (20 overs)
- Player of the Match: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Series Result: India Women win 5–0
Toss and Its Impact
Sri Lanka Women won the toss and elected to field, hoping to chase under evening conditions. The decision reflected confidence in their batting lineup after positive starts earlier in the series. However, India’s batters responded with disciplined intent, capitalizing on the relatively even batting conditions and maintaining control throughout the innings.
First Innings: India Women Set Competitive Total
India Women posted a strong total of 175 for 7 in 20 overs after a mixed yet impactful batting effort. The innings was highlighted by a defining knock from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who anchored the middle overs with 68 runs off 43 balls, combining aggression with calculated shot-making.
After early chances and a couple of quick wickets, Kaur steadied the innings and built partnerships with several batters in the lower middle order. Arundhati Reddy’s unbeaten 27 off 11 balls provided crucial late-innings acceleration, lifting India to a commanding total.
India’s score included contributions from multiple players, balancing responsibility and attack, and set a target of 176 runs for Sri Lanka Women.
Second Innings: Sri Lanka Fight Back but Fall Short
Chasing 176, Sri Lanka Women began with a measured approach. Hasini Perera’s 65 off 42 balls provided stability and impetus in the middle overs, while Imesha Dulani’s 50 off 39 deliveries kept the chase alive with well-timed aggression.
However, regular Indian bowling strikes prevented Sri Lanka from building sustained momentum. India’s attack, deploying all six bowlers at various stages, ensured persistent pressure and wicket breakthroughs that slowed the required run rate and forced risky shots.
Despite spirited knocks from the visitors, Sri Lanka finished on 160 for 7 in 20 overs, ending 15 runs short of the target.
Turning Points in the Match
1. Middle-Overs Control by India Bowlers:
After Sri Lanka’s promising start, India’s bowling unit, including Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Shree Charani, struck key moments between overs 7 and 15 that disrupted partnerships and kept the required run rate rising steadily.
2. Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captain’s Knock:
Kaur’s composed 68 provided vital stability amid early wickets and anchored India’s innings, ensuring that the total remained competitive.
3. Effective Use of Full Bowling Unit:
India’s decision to use all six bowlers paid off as each took wickets, breaking partnerships at crucial junctures and curbing Sri Lanka’s scoring rhythm.
Player of the Match
Harmanpreet Kaur was named Player of the Match for her pivotal 68-run innings that anchored India’s batting under pressure. Her leadership and batting resilience set the foundation for the total Sri Lanka, which ultimately could not chase.
Final Result and Series Impact
Result: India Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by 15 runs
Series Outcome: India win the T20I series 5-0
India’s victory completed a dominant campaign, marked by consistent batting depth, tight bowling, and brilliant tactical execution.
The clean sweep underscores India’s strength in the shortest format at home and reflects the team’s growing balance across departments. Sri Lanka showed spirited resistance with helpful contributions under pressure, but ultimately struggled to sustain momentum against a high-quality Indian attack.
