Women’s T20 World Cup: India pile up World Cup high to rout Sri Lanka
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana led India to a commanding 82-run victory over Sri Lanka, keeping their hopes alive for the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
India posted a tournament-high total of 172-3 in their 20 overs, with Mandhana scoring 50 off 38 balls, including four fours and a six, marking her 27th T20I half-century. She built a solid 98-run partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed 43 runs. Kaur then took charge, smashing 52 not out from just 27 balls, including eight boundaries and a six, in a powerful display. Her performance was even more impressive given the neck injury she had suffered in a previous game against Pakistan.
In response, Sri Lanka crumbled early, losing three wickets for just six runs in the first three overs. Although Kavisha Dilhari (21) and Anushka Sanjeewani (20) managed to steady the innings briefly with a 37-run partnership, the Sri Lankan batters struggled to keep pace with the required run rate. Ama Kanchana (19) was the only other player to reach double figures as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 90 with one ball remaining.
India’s bowlers were on top form, with fast bowler Arundhati Reddy and leg-spinner Asha Sobhana both taking 3-19 in their four overs.
This win gives India two victories from three matches as they prepare for their final group game against six-time champions Australia on Sunday. With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, Sri Lanka, with three defeats, are now out of contention.
