India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I: Renuka Singh’s Four-Wicket Haul and Shafali Verma Explosive 79 Seal Series Win

The Indian women’s cricket team delivered a dominant all-round performance in the 3rd T20I against Sri Lanka Women to register a comprehensive 8-wicket victory at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. With this win, India clinched the series in emphatic fashion, showcasing their depth, balance, and growing confidence ahead of upcoming international challenges.

The match was highlighted by a sensational bowling spell from Renuka Singh Thakur, who dismantled the Sri Lankan top order, and a breathtaking unbeaten knock from Shafali Verma, whose fearless batting made the chase a mere formality.

Match Overview

• Match: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 3rd T20I
• Series: Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025
• Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
• Date & Time: Friday, December 26, 7:00 PM (Local)
• Result: India Women won by 8 wickets

India won the toss and elected to bowl first—a decision that paid rich dividends as their bowlers took control right from the opening overs.

Sri Lanka Women Struggle to Build Momentum (112/7 in 20 Overs)

Sri Lanka’s innings never truly gained momentum, as Indian bowlers applied relentless pressure. Openers were forced into risky shots due to tight lines and disciplined fielding.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu, the backbone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, endured a disappointing outing and was dismissed for just 3 runs, a moment that shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor. Her early dismissal left Sri Lanka reeling inside the powerplay.

Hasini Perera showed brief promise with a fluent 25 off 18 balls, striking five boundaries, but her innings was cut short by Renuka Singh. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing Sri Lanka from forming any significant partnerships.

Middle-order batter Imesha Dulani attempted to stabilize the innings with a cautious 27 off 32 deliveries, while Kavisha Dilhari added late resistance with a quick 20 off 13 balls. However, India’s bowling unit ensured the run rate remained under control throughout the innings.

India Bowling Excellence

The standout performer was undoubtedly Renuka Singh Thakur, who produced a match-winning spell:

• Renuka Singh: 4 overs, 21 runs, 4 wickets
• Deepti Sharma: 4 overs, 18 runs, 3 wickets

Renuka’s ability to swing the ball early and hit consistent lengths unsettled Sri Lanka’s batters, while Deepti Sharma used her experience to choke runs in the middle overs. Together, they dismantled the Sri Lankan batting order with clinical precision.

Sri Lanka finished with 112/7, a total that was always going to be challenging to defend against India’s strong batting lineup.

Shafali Verma Leads a Fearless Chase (115/2 in 13.2 Overs)

India’s chase began with a minor setback as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed early for just 1 run, momentarily raising Sri Lanka’s hopes. However, what followed was a batting masterclass from Shafali Verma.

The young opener played with supreme confidence, attacking bowlers from the outset and turning the chase into a one-sided affair.

Shafali Verma’s Match-Winning Knock

Shafali Verma remained unbeaten on 79 runs off just 42 balls, an innings packed with power, timing, and intent. Her knock included:

• 11 fours and 3 sixes
• Strike rate of 188+
• Complete dominance over both pace and spin

She effortlessly pierced gaps, cleared the boundary with ease, and ensured Sri Lanka never regained control. Her fearless approach reflected the modern brand of Indian women’s cricket—aggressive, confident, and result-oriented.

Support from the Middle Order

• Jemimah Rodrigues: 9 runs
• Harmanpreet Kaur (not out): 21 runs

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided calm support at the other end, rotating strike and finishing the game without unnecessary risks. India comfortably reached the target in just 13.2 overs, underlining their batting superiority.

Key Takeaways from the Match

1. Renuka Singh’s Rise: Her consistent performances with the ball continue to strengthen India’s pace attack.
2. Shafali Verma’s Impact: Her aggressive batting at the top gives India a significant advantage in T20 cricket.
3. Team Balance: India’s mix of youth and experience proved too strong for Sri Lanka.
4. Sri Lanka’s Concerns: Over-reliance on Chamari Athapaththu and lack of middle-order stability remain key issues.

Series Impact and What Lies Ahead

This commanding win allowed India Women to wrap up the series with authority, sending a strong message ahead of future international tournaments. The team’s depth in both batting and bowling departments makes them one of the most formidable sides in women’s cricket today.

For Sri Lanka Women, the series offered valuable learning opportunities, particularly for younger players. Addressing batting consistency and building stronger partnerships will be crucial as they look ahead.

Final Thoughts

The India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I was a perfect display of dominance by the hosts. With Renuka Singh’s lethal bowling and Shafali Verma’s explosive batting, India delivered a complete performance that thrilled fans and sealed the series in style.

As women’s cricket continues to grow, matches like these highlight India’s evolution into a powerhouse team capable of dictating terms in all formats of the game.