After winning the women’s World Cup this year, the world was already buzzing over Smriti and the whole team, and now, with them, the team started their five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka with a commanding eight-wicket victory in the first match at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. The win gives India a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka scored 121/6 in their 20 overs before the Indians took the lead, with India reaching 122/2 in just 14.4 overs. The Indian team proved themselves then and there, making the Sri Lankan cricket team wrap up at 121.
Key Performances of the Match
- Jemimah Rodrigues was the star batter of the match with an unbeaten 69 off 44 balls to steer the chase with authority and earn Player of the Match honours.
- Smriti Mandhana, the Indian vice-captain and seasoned opener, scored 25 runs and in the process became the first Indian woman ever to surpass 4,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals, joining an elite group overall with only New Zealand’s Suzie Bates ahead on the all-time list.
- The win was possible because of the bowlers, backing up the strong batting and keeping Sri Lanka to a modest total.
Mandhana reached the historic milestone earlier in her innings when she edged past the 4,000-run mark, a testament to her longevity and consistency in the shortest format.
Match Summary
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka Women | 121/6 (20 overs) |
| India Women | 122/2 (14.4 overs) |
Result: India Women won by 8 wickets and took a 1–0 lead in the series.
India will look to build on this dominant start as the T20I series continues, with the second match scheduled in the coming days.