India Dominates Sri Lanka to Keep Semi-Final Hopes Alive in Women's T20 World Cup 2024

New Delhi, October 9  – The Indian women’s cricket team secured a crucial victory against Sri Lanka in their third match of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, winning by a comprehensive margin of 82 runs. This win in Group A keeps India’s semi-final hopes alive, while also significantly improving their net run rate. India posted a total of 172 runs, and in response, Sri Lanka managed only 90 runs.

Batting first, India was powered by half-centuries from Smriti Mandhana and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana scored 50 runs off 38 balls, hitting 4 boundaries and a six, while Harmanpreet played an aggressive knock of 52 runs off 27 balls, including 8 fours and a six. Other notable contributions came from Shafali Verma (43), Jemimah Rodrigues (16), and Richa Ghosh (6). For Sri Lanka, Chamari Athapaththu and Ama Kanchana were the only bowlers to pick up a wicket each.

Chasing a target of 173, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup faltered early. Vishmi Gunaratne was dismissed without scoring in the first over, followed by the quick dismissals of captain Chamari Athapaththu (1) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (3). Sri Lanka was reduced to 6 for 3, but Kavisha Dilhari (21) and Anushka Sanjeewani (20) tried to stabilize the innings with a 37-run partnership. Ama Kanchana’s 19 was the only other notable contribution as Sri Lanka fell well short of the target.

India’s bowlers delivered an outstanding performance, with Arundhati Reddy and Asha Shobhana taking 3 wickets each. Renuka Singh claimed 2 wickets, while Shreyanka Patil and Deepti Sharma grabbed one wicket apiece.

India will face Australia in their final group-stage match, where they must secure a victory to guarantee their place in the semi-finals.