India eye 5-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka in women’s T20 series

India aim to complete a 5-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka in the final women’s T20I at Thiruvananthapuram. Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana and Renuka Singh have starred, while debutant Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with four wickets in the series

Thiruvananthapuram: India will look to continue their aggressive intent and complete a 5-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka in the fifth and final women’s T20 International here on Tuesday.

The five-match series has been a significant part of India’s preparation for the T20 World Cup in England in June-July next year. Following Tuesday’s game, India will play three T20 Internationals each in Australia and England before the showpiece event.

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After a group-stage exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India recalibrated their approach, opting for a more aggressive style of play, a shift that has already yielded two series wins this year.

“It was a great series for all of us. That’s what we discussed after the World Cup — that we have to raise our standards and be more aggressive in T20s,” captain Harmanpreet Kaur said after sealing the series against the Islanders.

India’s bowlers have been the primary architects of the dominant run, with batters having little to do in the opening three matches. But the big-hitting Shafali Verma has impressed.

Fielding, however, remains an area of concern. After a sloppy showing in the series opener, India faltered again in the previous match, missing two catches and a stumping opportunity.

There have been several positives too. Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur has made a successful return to the format after a year-long absence, while the ever-reliable Deepti Sharma continues to deliver consistently.

Debutant left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma has also lived up to her promise and is currently the joint-highest wicket-taker of the series with four scalps at an economy rate of 5.73.

With the bat, Shafali has been a constant menace for Sri Lanka, scoring three half-centuries in four matches at a blistering strike rate of 185.82.

Another major boost for India was the return to form of vice-captain Smriti Mandhana after a lean patch. Her fluent 80 off 48 balls in the fourth T20I will help her carry momentum forward.

Shafali and Mandhana produced a masterclass in aggressive batting in the fourth T20I, putting on 162 runs off just 92 balls — India’s highest opening partnership in women’s T20 Internationals.

India’s decision to promote Richa Ghosh to No. 3 also paid off, with the wicketkeeper batter smashing an unbeaten 40 off just 16 deliveries.

After the first three matches were low-scoring affairs, the fourth T20I turned into a run-fest, with both India and Sri Lanka registering their highest-ever totals in the format.

Although India’s 221 for 2 proved too much for Sri Lanka, who managed 191 for 6, the Islanders would take confidence from their vastly improved batting display as they seek a consolation win.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, who had endured a lean run, broke the rut with a 37-ball 52 in the previous match. With more support from the other batters, Sri Lanka will hope for a stronger showing in the finale.

Teams (from):
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika De Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara.

Match starts at 7 pm.