Smriti Mandhana 80 Runs, Shafali Verma 79 Runs: India Women vs Sri Lanka Full Report

Smriti Mandhana 80 Runs, Shafali Verma 79 Runs: India Women vs Sri Lanka Full Report

In a record-breaking display of power hitting, the Indian Women’s cricket team dominated Sri Lanka in the 4th T20I of the series held today at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. Opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma orchestrated a masterclass, propelling India to a massive total of 221/2 in their 20 overs—India‘s highest-ever score in Women’s T20 Internationals.

The Opening Blitz: Mandhana and Shafali’s Historic Stand

After Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field, they were immediately put on the back foot. The Indian openers, Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, came out with an aggressive intent that never wavered.

• Smriti Mandhana (80 runs off 48 balls): Mandhana was the architect of the innings. She reached her half-century in just 35 balls and played with exquisite timing, hitting 11 fours and 3 massive sixes. During this innings, she achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the fastest woman to reach 10,000 international runs, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj.

• Shafali Verma (79 runs off 46 balls): Continuing her “form of her life,” Shafali smashed her third consecutive fifty of the series. Her knock was a typical display of brute force, featuring 12 boundaries and a six.

The duo shared a staggering 162-run opening partnership, the highest for India in this format, effectively batting Sri Lanka out of the contest within the first 15 overs.

Late Fireworks by Richa Ghosh and Harmanpreet Kaur

When the openers finally departed in quick succession, the momentum didn’t slow down. Richa Ghosh played a blistering cameo, scoring 40 runs off just 16 balls. Her hitting in the 19th over was particularly brutal, where she dispatched Kavisha Dilhari for 6, 6, 4, and 6, taking 30 runs from the over.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur finished the innings in style with a six and a four in the final over, remaining unbeaten on 16 as India crossed the 200-run mark with ease.

Match Summary & Inning Details

Opening Masterclass

• Smriti Mandhana (80 runs off 48 balls): Provided a masterclass in timing and reached a historic milestone by becoming the fastest woman to hit 10,000 international runs.

• Shafali Verma (79 runs off 46 balls): Continued her explosive form with her third consecutive fifty of the series.

• Historic Partnership: The pair shared a 162-run opening stand, the highest for India in this format.

3. The Power Finish

• Richa Ghosh provided the final flourish with a blistering 40 off 16 balls*, including a 30-run over (three sixes and a four).

• Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added a quick 16* to ensure the momentum stayed with India until the final ball.

4. Sri Lanka’s Defensive Struggle

• The Sri Lankan bowlers were unable to contain the run rate, with the Indian batters hitting boundaries at will.

• With a target of 222, Sri Lanka faces a near-impossible task to stay competitive in the series.