Source - X account of ICC
India Thrash Sri Lanka by 82 Runs in Women’s T20 World Cup
India W 192-3 (Harmanpreet 52no) beat Sri Lanka W 90 (Sobhana 3-19) by 82 runs
12th Match, Group A at Dubai, Women’s T20 World Cup
India’s women’s cricket team delivered a comprehensive performance against Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, securing an 82-run victory and boosting their chances for a spot in the semi-finals.
India maintained their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 after an impressive win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday in Dubai. Dominating both with the bat and ball, India posted a challenging target of 173 runs and bowled out Sri Lanka for a mere 90 runs, winning by a massive 82-run margin. This victory also significantly improved India’s net run rate, crucial for their advancement in the tournament.
Indian Batters Set Up a Strong Total
After winning the toss, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first in this crucial match. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided India with a strong foundation, amassing a solid 98-run partnership for the first wicket. This was their 20th fifty-plus stand in T20Is, equaling the record held by the Australian duo of Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy.
Mandhana scored a steady 50 off 39 balls, while Verma contributed 43 runs off 34 deliveries before both were dismissed on consecutive balls in the 13th over. Harmanpreet Kaur, coming in at number three, played an aggressive knock, staying unbeaten on 52 off just 27 balls, smashing eight boundaries and a six. Kaur’s late onslaught propelled India to a formidable total of 172/3 in their allotted 20 overs.
Bowlers Seal Dominant Win
Defending 173, the Indian bowlers made quick inroads into the Sri Lankan batting lineup, reducing them to 45/6 at the halfway stage. Asha Shobna and Arundhati Reddy were the standout performers, claiming three wickets each for 19 runs. Renuka Singh took two wickets, while Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma chipped in with one wicket each, ensuring Sri Lanka never got close to the target.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 90 in 19.5 overs, marking their third consecutive loss in the tournament. The result means Sri Lanka are now eliminated from contention for the semi-finals in Group A.
India’s Path to the Semi-Finals
With this victory, India’s semi-final hopes remain intact. However, they must win their next game against defending champions Australia and hope that other results in Group A favor their qualification chances.
