Harmanpreet Kaur & Co. Sri Lanka Women’s tour of India 2025 has started on a grand note. a comfortable eight-wicket win at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.
Disciplined Indian bowling restricts Sri Lanka to 121 all out
India’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Kranti Gaud secured the first breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu for 15. He struggled to find consistent support at the other end, while Vishmi Gunaratne made 39 off 43 balls with a nasty knock.
Indian spinners applied the brake effectively during the middle overs. Deepti Sharma was the standout performer conceding just 20 runs in four overs and claiming the wicket of Hasini Perera. Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma also played an important role keeping the economy at just 4.00. Sri Lanka’s batting was further disrupted by three crucial runs that included Richa Ghosh’s sharp work behind the stumps. Despite a late effort from Harshitha Madavi (21), Sri Lanka could only manage 121/6 in 20 overs.
Jemimah Rodrigues powers India’s fast chase
India’s chase of 122 began with an explosive burst from Shafali Verma, who scored 5 off 9 balls before falling to Kawya Kavindi. However, the early wicket did little to slow India’s momentum. Smriti Mandhana (25) and Rodrogus vote combined for a 54-run partnership that effectively took the game away from the visitors.
Rodrigues was in great form, hitting the ball with precision and intent. He finished unbeaten on 69 from just 44 deliveries, an innings of ten boundaries at a strike rate of 156.82. His aggressive approach ensured that India were well ahead of the required run rate in all power plays and beyond.
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Clinical finishing by Rodrigues Harmanpreet Kaur
After Mandhana was dismissed in the ninth over by veteran Inoka Ranaweera, captain Harmanpreet Kaur joined Rodrigues to manage the final over. Kaur played steady support, hitting 15 off 16 balls, while Rodrigues continued to find the boundary with ease.
The duo shared an unbeaten stand of 55 runs, taking India to 122/2 in just 14.4 overs. The all-round nature of the victory highlights India’s depth and tactical superiority, particularly in the bowling and fielding departments, with runs accounting for half of Sri Lanka’s wickets.
Jemimah Rodrigues shines in India’s win over Sri Lanka 🏏#cricket #INDWvSLW #1stT20I pic.twitter.com/tbN2zVGZM3
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) December 22, 2025
With a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, the Indian team enters the next match with significant momentum. The focus for Sri Lanka will be to improve their strike spin and find ways to counter India’s disciplined spin attack. The two teams will meet again on Tuesday as Sri Lanka look to level the series in what promises to be a thrilling tour.
This article was originally published here WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.
