India showcased their batting strength and exacted revenge for their Asia Cup defeat to Sri Lanka with an emphatic 82-run victory at the Dubai International Stadium. This win, India’s largest margin in Women’s T20 World Cups, significantly boosted their Net Run Rate, putting them ahead of New Zealand—potential rivals for a semifinal spot in the final round of Group A fixtures. The result also confirmed Sri Lanka’s elimination after suffering their third consecutive loss.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India set the tournament’s highest total with 172 runs. Smriti Mandhana (50 off 28) and Shafali Verma (43 off 40) provided a strong foundation with a 98-run opening partnership. Harmanpreet Kaur then propelled the 2020 runners-up to a commanding position with a rapid 52 off 27 balls.
Sri Lanka’s chase quickly derailed as they lost three wickets within the first 14 balls, putting them out of contention early on. India’s next goal was to restrict Sri Lanka to under 127, which would boost their Net Run Rate above New Zealand’s. They exceeded expectations, holding Sri Lanka to below 100. Asha Sobhana impressed again with her bowling, taking 3 for 19, while Arundhati Reddy matched her figures. Women in Blue sealed the victory with one ball remaining.
India Women defeat Sri Lanka Women by 82 runs and gain a massive NRR boost.
The tournament is wide open 🔥#INDWvsSLW
FULL SCORECARD: https://t.co/P6Afp0Zw8Z pic.twitter.com/UfbO3tPTl0
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) October 9, 2024
“When you play good cricket you always feel well,” the India captain, who retired hurt with a neck injury in the last match, said at the post-match ceremony. “All the boxes were picked today, with bat, ball, and in the field, and we have talked about our fielding so I’m happy we took all our catches.”
“We have to play good cricket [in the final group match against Australia]. Our bowlers are doing well and we know they are a good side, but our bowlers are doing well and making the breakthroughs. So, you have to play well and with these wickets, you never know how it will go.” she added.
With this win, India moved up to second place with four points from three matches, while Pakistan and New Zealand each have two points from two games. Australia remains firmly at the top with four points from two matches. Notably, India now boasts the highest net run rate of 0.58 among the three teams fighting for a spot behind Australia. Women in Blue will face Australia in their final group game on Sunday 13 October.
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.
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
