Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur claimed four wickets on her return to the T20I side as India restricted Sri Lanka to 112/7 in the third game of the five-match series at the Greenfield International Stadium.
Bowling Highlights
Renuka finished with impressive figures of 4-21, marking her fourth four-wicket haul in T20Is. Off-spin bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma also contributed significantly, taking 3-18, as Sri Lanka continued to struggle with their batting after being asked to bat first for the third consecutive time in the series.
Sri Lanka started brightly but quickly saw their innings deteriorate. The only noteworthy resistance came from a 40-run partnership between Imesha Dulani (27) and Kavisha Dilhari (20). Late contributions from Kaushini Nuthyangana (19 not out) helped Sri Lanka reach a total that was respectable yet well below par.
Innings Breakdown
- Hasini Perera showcased good form early, hitting four boundaries in the first four overs.
- Captain Chamari Athapaththu struggled under pressure and fell to Deepti, caught at mid-off.
Renuka recovered from an expensive opening over and became the standout bowler for India. She dismissed Hasini, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshika Silva, leaving Sri Lanka at 45/4 in 9.3 overs. Imesha and Kavisha managed to hit six boundaries between themselves in a much-needed partnership.
However, Kavisha fell in the 14th over, caught at deep mid-wicket off Deepti’s bowling. With this wicket, Deepti became the first-ever cricketer, across men’s and women’s cricket, to achieve the double of 1000 runs and 150 wickets in T20Is. Shortly after, Renuka’s slower ball accounted for Imesha, who slashed to backward point.
With the dismissal of Malsha Shehani, Deepti matched Australia’s Megan Schutt as the joint-highest wicket-taker in women’s T20I history, both with 151 wickets. Two boundaries from Kaushini at the end helped Sri Lanka pass the 110-run mark. India is anticipated to chase down this modest target comfortably, having won the opening two matches and secured an easy series victory.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka Women: 112/7 in 20 overs (Imesha Dulani 27, Hasini Perera 25; Renuka Singh Thakur 4-21, Deepti Sharma 3-18) against India Women.