India bowlers set it up, Rodrigues finishes in one-sided win over Sri Lanka

Jemimah Rodrigues produced a classy, controlled batting display to lead India to a thumping eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first Women’s T20 International here on Sunday, giving the hosts a commanding 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Rodrigues remained unbeaten on a fluent 69 off just 44 balls, showcasing timing, placement and composure as India chased down a modest target of 122 with ease. The home side completed the chase with 32 balls to spare, underlining the gulf between the two teams on the night.

Opting to field after winning the toss, India’s bowlers laid the foundation with a disciplined effort that restricted Sri Lanka to 121 for six. Despite dew settling in earlier than expected, the visitors struggled to capitalise on loose deliveries and failed to find momentum through the innings.

In reply, India started briskly with Shafali Verma striking three boundaries in the opening over. However, the aggressive opener could not convert her start, falling soon after as left-arm wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani induced an aerial shot that resulted in a neat catch.

Smriti Mandhana and Rodrigues then steadied the innings, adding 54 runs for the second wicket. Mandhana played a supporting role, scoring 25 off 25 balls, and enjoyed a slice of luck early on when a thick inside-edge ran away for a boundary. She later rocked back to cut Chamari Athapaththu through backward point before lofting her over extra cover for another four a stroke that also took her past 4,000 runs in T20 Internationals.

Mandhana’s stay ended when Inoka Ranaweera struck, but by then India were firmly in control. Rodrigues was joined by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and the pair added an unbroken 55-run stand to finish the match without further drama. Harmanpreet chipped in with a calm 15 not out off 16 balls.

The highlight of Rodrigues’ innings came against Gimhani, whom she punished with four boundaries in a single over, combining deft touch with confident strokeplay. Her knock was a reminder of her growing maturity and importance in India’s middle order.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings never truly took off. Opener Vishmi Gunaratne top-scored with a patient 39 off 43 balls, while Hasini Perera (20) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21) made modest contributions. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu showed early intent, finding the boundary twice off Kranti Gaud, but her aggressive approach proved costly.

Gaud adjusted her angle and was rewarded when she bowled Athapaththu through the gate, giving India their first breakthrough. Deepti Sharma was impressive in the powerplay, bowling a maiden and finishing with economical figures of 1 for 20 from four overs.

Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma also made a promising start to her international career. Bowling slower through the air, the 20-year-old conceded just 16 runs in her four overs, including a miserly first over that yielded only three runs.

Sri Lanka missed chances to accelerate, and a series of dot balls added pressure. Dew made gripping the ball difficult, but India’s bowlers adapted well to keep the scoring in check, restricting the visitors to 55 for two at the halfway stage.

In the end, Sri Lanka’s total proved well below par, and Rodrigues’ polished innings ensured India wrapped up the contest comfortably, setting the tone for the rest of the series.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka Women: 121/6 in 20 overs

Vishmi Gunaratne 39 (43), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera 20

Deepti Sharma 1/20, Kranti Gaud 1 wicket, Vaishnavi Sharma 0/16

India Women: 122/2 in 14.4 overs

Jemimah Rodrigues 69 (44), Smriti Mandhana 25 (25), Harmanpreet Kaur 15 (16)

Result: India beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets

Series: India lead 1-0 in the five-match series