A dominant India will be aiming to extend their supremacy with a fourth straight win when they take on Sri Lanka in the fourth Women’s T20I on Sunday.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India have completely outplayed Sri Lanka in the five-match series so far, racing to an unassailable 3–0 lead. The hosts have left little room for competition, underlining the gulf between the two sides across departments.
India set the tone in a one-sided series
India’s dominance is best reflected in the numbers. Chasing in all three matches, the hosts have not batted beyond 14.4 overs, lost no more than three wickets in any innings, and have never been set a target higher than 129. Such control has allowed India to dictate terms from the outset.
The bowlers have been the chief architects of this success. Deepti Sharma has claimed four wickets across two matches, while Renuka Singh Thakur matched that tally in a single outing at the Greenfield Stadium on Friday. Harmanpreet’s decision to field first in all three games — taking advantage of conditions with minimal dew — has also worked perfectly, giving her bowlers early control.
More importantly, the Indian attack has been relentless, not allowing any Sri Lankan batter to cross an individual score of 40 in the series so far.
India have also used the series to test combinations with an eye on the 2026 T20 World Cup. Arundhati Reddy featured in the first two matches before Renuka returned for the third.
“We are trying different combinations with the World Cup in mind. After winning the ODI World Cup recently, we want to keep our standards high and ensure our performances remain consistent,” Renuka said after the third T20I.
The batters have complemented the bowlers with authority, with Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues both registering half-centuries to seal comfortable chases.
Mandhana seeks rhythm, Sri Lanka search for answers
Despite India’s dominance, Smriti Mandhana is yet to hit top gear. The vice-captain has managed 40 runs across three matches at an average of 13.33 and a strike rate below 100. The elegant left-hander will be keen to deliver a defining innings and regain momentum.
India may also consider handing opportunities to Gunalan Kamalini and Harleen Deol. Having already used 13 members of the squad, the team management could look to test the remaining options with the series firmly in hand.
For Sri Lanka, the series has been a sobering experience. Led by Chamari Athapaththu, the visitors have struggled for consistency with the bat. While the squad boasts talent in Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari and Harshitha Samarawickrama, none have produced a decisive knock so far.
Sri Lanka will hope their young bowling unit, which has appeared overawed by India’s depth, can raise its intensity and pose a sterner challenge as they look for a measure of redemption.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7 pm.
Also Read: 3rd T20I: India Women outclass Sri Lanka by 8-wickets, take unassailable 3-0 series lead
(By PTI Inputs)
