Harmanpreet, Mandhana, and Shafali power India’s dominant, NRR-boosting victory

India delivered a commanding performance as they secured a crucial win and dramatically improved their Net Run Rate (NRR) with an 82-run triumph over Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Stadium. This victory was lovely for India, avenging their earlier Asia Cup loss to Sri Lanka. More importantly, the wide margin of this win became India’s most significant in terms of runs in Women’s T20 World Cup history, catapulting their NRR past New Zealand’s and setting the stage for a potential semifinal clash. Sri Lanka’s defeat sealed their exit from the tournament after a string of three consecutive losses.

After a few underwhelming performances in the tournament’s earlier stages, India’s star-studded batting line-up finally met expectations. Leading from the front, captain Harmanpreet Kaur smashed an unbeaten 52 off just 27 balls, her innings packed with powerful strokes. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, after a slow start, played a vital knock of 50 off 38 deliveries, complementing the dynamic start provided by young sensation Shafali Verma, who contributed a solid 43 in an explosive opening stand. Together, they built a formidable total of 172/3, which was not only India’s highest in the tournament but also the highest of the entire competition to that point.

The early stages of India’s innings were watchful as they adjusted to the pace of the wicket. Verma’s chip-over extra cover in the third over signaled the beginning of India’s aggression, and both openers began to find their rhythm. Mandhana, initially restrained, broke the shackles with a powerful boundary in the final Powerplay over. She then shifted gears, showcasing her ability to clear the infield, particularly with a towering six off Ranaweera over long-on. Her innings were characterized by deft footwork and precise shot selection, repeatedly punishing Sri Lankan bowlers who strayed in line. Verma and Mandhana’s partnership, their 20th 50-plus stand in T20Is, was the backbone of India’s innings until both were dismissed quickly.

However, the fall of two wickets didn’t slow India’s charge. Harmanpreet Kaur’s explosive hitting in the final overs made sure India finished with a flourish. Harmanpreet’s 52 off just 27 balls was a masterclass in power-hitting, with her signature slogs through the leg side particularly effective. Aided by consistent boundary-scoring, she brought up her half-century in record time, the fastest by any Indian batter in Women’s T20 World Cup history. India’s 18 fours and two sixes in a single innings reflected a massive improvement in their boundary count compared to earlier games.

In addition to their batting, India’s fielding and bowling efforts were sharp and disciplined. Early breakthroughs set the tone as Renuka Thakur dismissed two top-order batters within the first few overs. Shreyanka Patil’s brilliant spell, including the key dismissal of Chamari Athapaththu, further decimated Sri Lanka’s hopes. Patil’s ability to extract turns played a pivotal role. India’s fielding, often criticized in the past, was on point, highlighted by Radha Yadav’s excellent catch to dismiss Gunaratne. Sri Lanka’s chase crumbled under the pressure, and they found themselves three wickets down in just 14 balls.

With Sri Lanka never in contention, India focused on keeping the opposition well below the 127-run mark that would ensure they leapfrogged New Zealand in the NRR stakes. They went even further, skittling Sri Lanka for under 100, courtesy of Asha Sobhana and Arundhati Reddy, who both picked up three wickets each, completing a perfect all-round performance. India closed out the win with clinical precision, moving into a strong position as they approached the critical stages of the tournament.

Brief scores: India 172/3 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 52*, Smriti Mandhana 50, Shafali Verma 43; Chamari Athapaththu 1-29) beat Sri Lanka 90 in 19.5 overs (Asha Sobhana 3-19, Arundhati Reddy 3-19) by 82 runs

Show your favorite team some love! Visit our site to let them know you’re cheering them on.

Check out more related topics: Understanding Grummy: A Comprehensive Guide to the Betting Site