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NEW DELHI: Bowlers delivered a clinical performance after skipper Harmanpreet Kaur set the platform with a gritty 68 as a dominant India beat Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the fifth T20I to seal a 5-0 whitewash on Tuesday.

Harmanpreet’s first fifty of the series arrived at a crucial phase when India were reeling at 77 for five, with her composed 43-ball knock guiding the hosts to a competitive 175 for seven.

Sri Lanka replied with half-centuries from opener Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) but could not find the required acceleration at the death, ending on 160 for seven as India wrapped up a memorable World Cup-winning year in style.

Sri Lanka fight but fall short

Despite losing skipper Chamari Athapaththu (2) early, Sri Lanka stayed in the contest through a solid second-wicket stand of 79 between Perera and Dulani.

Both batters showed intent, finding regular boundaries and rotating strike well, but the lack of sixes during their 56-ball partnership meant the asking rate steadily climbed.

Dulani struck eight fours in her 39-ball knock while Perera anchored the innings with a steady 42-ball effort, but a cluster of wickets pushed the required rate beyond 13 an over.

Sri Lanka needed a strong finish but were checked by tight spells from Indian spinners Deepti Sharma (1/28) and Vaishnavi Sharma (1/33).

Amanjot Kaur (1/17) removed Dulani in the 12th over to open the door, and Deepti made the most of the pressure soon after.

Deepti trapped Nilakshika Silva lbw in the 14th over to move past Australia’s Megan Schutt and become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is.

Perera’s dismissal in the 17th over effectively ended Sri Lanka’s hopes.

Harmanpreet and Arundhati steady India

Earlier, Harmanpreet and a late burst from Arundhati Reddy (27 not out) lifted India to a defendable total.

India had slumped to 77 for five after 10 overs before Harmanpreet absorbed the pressure with her most authoritative knock of the series.

Arundhati then provided the finishing touches, smashing four fours and a six in an 11-ball cameo to push India comfortably past the 150 mark.

Harmanpreet struck nine fours and a six in her 43-ball innings, with her 61-run sixth-wicket stand alongside Amanjot Kaur (21) proving vital.

She continued to lose partners at regular intervals, but her calm approach ensured India had enough runs for their bowlers to defend.

Early stumbles at the top

India’s innings began on a shaky note as debutant G Kamalini and Shafali Verma fell cheaply with vice-captain Smriti Mandhana rested.

Shafali (5), coming off three successive fifties, looked to attack early but was caught at long-on off Nimasha Meepage in the second over.

Kamalini (12) showed promise with a couple of boundaries before missing a sweep against Kavisha Dilhari, with an unsuccessful DRS review ending her debut stay.

Harleen Deol (13) and Harmanpreet tried to rebuild, but Harleen fell after a reprieve, inside-edging onto her stumps while attempting a big shot.

Athapaththu (2/21) then removed Richa Ghosh (5), leaving India in trouble at 64 for four, before Deepti Sharma (7) also departed soon after to cap a testing phase for the hosts.

(With PTI Inputs)