India eye fourth straight win in women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka

India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, aim for a fourth straight win in the Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka. With bowlers Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh starring, India lead 3-0 and look set for a clean sweep

Thiruvananthapuram: Formidable India will be eager to register a fourth straight victory in the Women’s T20I series against Sri Lanka here on Sunday.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led team has not given the Lankan side a chance to compete in this five-match series, which currently stands 3-0 in favour of the hosts.

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India, who chased in all three matches, have not batted more than 14.4 overs, lost more than three wickets, or faced a target above 129.

The bowlers have been the key. Deepti Sharma took four wickets across two matches, while Renuka Singh matched that feat in a single game at the Greenfield Stadium on Friday. Harmanpreet also won all three tosses, electing to field and giving her bowlers favourable conditions.

None of the Sri Lankan batters have crossed 40 runs in the series. India have also rotated their squad, with Arundhati Reddy playing the first two matches and Renuka replacing her in the third.

“We have been trying different combinations with the T20 World Cup in mind. We want to keep our standards high after winning the ODI World Cup recently,” said Renuka.

Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues have scored fifties, while Smriti Mandhana is yet to fire, making only 40 runs in three games. India may also test young Gunalan Kamalini and experienced Harleen Deol in this match.

Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, have struggled badly. Talents like Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari and Harshitha Samarawickrama have failed to deliver, and their young bowling attack has looked overwhelmed.

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.