Sri Lanka Secures Historic Victory Against India in Women’s ODI Tri-Series

COLOMBO: In a remarkable display of teamwork, Sri Lanka achieved a significant three-wicket victory over India in the fourth match of the Women’s ODI tri-series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. The win was powered by a strong bowling performance and impressive half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika Silva.

This victory marks Sri Lanka’s first win against India in women’s ODIs since their triumph in September 2018, which was also a three-wicket victory.

India’s Innings

After being put in to bat, the Indian team posted a competitive score of 275/9 in their allotted 50 overs, largely due to a half-century from Richa Ghosh. The wicketkeeper-batter was the highest scorer, contributing 58 runs off 48 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. Key contributions also came from Jemimah Rodrigues (37), Pratika Rawal (35), and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (30).

For Sri Lanka, Sugandika Kumari and captain Chamari Athapaththu each claimed three wickets, while Inoka Ranaweera and Dewmi Vihanga took one wicket apiece.

Sri Lanka’s Chase

In response, the Sri Lankan team successfully chased down the target of 276, finishing with seven wickets down and five balls remaining. Silva led the charge with a rapid 56 off 33 balls, hitting five fours and three sixes. Samarawickrama also played a crucial role, scoring 53 off 51 deliveries with five boundaries. Other notable performances included Kavisha Dilhari (35) and Vishmi Gunaratne (33).

Despite these contributions, the match remained tense as Sri Lanka needed 38 runs from 44 balls with only three wickets in hand. However, an unbroken partnership between Anushka Sanjeewani and Sugandika Kumari guided them to victory. Sanjeewani remained unbeaten on 23 from 28 balls, while Kumari contributed 19 not out from 20 balls.

Sneh Rana stood out for India, securing three wickets for 45 runs in her 10 overs. Arundhati Reddy, Pratika Rawal, and Shree Charani each managed to dismiss one batter.