India Women continued their dominant run against Sri Lanka with a convincing eight-wicket victory in the third T20I, sealing the five-match series with an unassailable 3–0 lead. The win followed a familiar pattern, with India’s bowlers setting the tone before Shafali Verma finished the job in emphatic fashion.
Renuka Singh Thakur marked her return to T20I cricket in style, while Deepti Sharma etched her name into the record books. Shafali then took center stage with a fearless innings that ended Sri Lanka’s resistance well before the halfway mark of the chase.
Renuka Singh’s Return Changes the Match Early
Playing her first T20I since December last year, Renuka looked sharp from the opening over. She struck with the new ball, used swing smartly, and never allowed Sri Lanka’s top order to settle.
She finished with figures of 4 for 21, repeatedly breaking partnerships and pushing Sri Lanka onto the back foot. Her second spell was especially damaging, as she removed key batters at a stage when Sri Lanka were trying to rebuild.
Renuka’s control with the ball showed why she remains one of India’s most dependable powerplay bowlers, especially when conditions offer even a hint of movement.
Deepti Sharma Joins Elite Company in T20I History
Deepti Sharma once again proved her value with both control and consistency. Her spell of 3 for 18 not only choked Sri Lanka’s scoring but also took her to the top of the all-time women’s T20I wicket-takers list.
She reached 151 wickets in the format, drawing level with Australia’s Megan Schutt. Deepti’s breakthroughs came at key moments, including the dismissal of Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, which stalled any hopes of a late surge.
Her ability to apply pressure without leaking runs ensured Sri Lanka never crossed out of survival mode.
Sri Lanka Struggle After Bright Start
Sri Lanka began with intent, thanks to Hasini Perera’s brisk 25. She found boundaries early and tried to keep the scoreboard ticking even as Chamari Athapaththu struggled for fluency.
That momentum didn’t last long.
Once Deepti removed Athapaththu, Renuka followed up with quick strikes that left Sri Lanka reeling at 32 for 3. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any sustained recovery.
A 40-run stand between Kavisha Dilhari and Imesha Dulani offered brief resistance, but Deepti returned to remove Dilhari for her landmark 150th T20I wicket. Sri Lanka eventually limped to 112 for 7, a total that always looked short against India’s batting depth.
Shafali Verma Ends the Chase in a Hurry
Chasing 113, Shafali Verma wasted no time in asserting control. After three dot balls, she charged down the track and launched an 83-metre six over long-off, setting the tone for what followed.
She played with freedom and clarity, punishing anything short or overpitched. Her unbeaten 79 off 42 balls included 11 boundaries and three towering sixes, each one draining Sri Lanka’s confidence.
Even after Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply, Shafali never slowed down. She finished the match with a boundary, taking India home with 40 balls to spare.
What This Win Means for India
India’s performance across all three matches has highlighted their depth, balance, and control in T20 cricket. The bowlers have consistently kept opponents under pressure, while the top order has chased targets with authority.
Key takeaways from the series so far include:
- Renuka Singh’s immediate impact after returning to the side
- Deepti Sharma’s consistency and record-breaking run
- Shafali Verma’s ability to dominate attacks from the first over
With two matches still to play, India now have the chance to complete a clean sweep and further test their bench strength, while Sri Lanka will look to regroup and restore pride.
The series may be decided, but India’s intent suggests they are far from easing off.
Hi, I’m Alex, a cricket author who follows the game every single day. I write match updates, player stories, league news, and simple guides for fans. My aim is to make cricket easy to read and fun to follow. From international games to local leagues, I track scores, form, and key moments to bring clear and useful content for readers who love the sport as much as I do.
