Thiruvananthapuram: A supremely confident Indian women’s cricket team will look to extend their dominance when they face Sri Lanka in the fourth Women’s T20I on Sunday, with the hosts already holding a commanding 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India have completely outplayed Sri Lanka in all departments, leaving the visitors searching for answers as the series nears its conclusion.
India’s Bowlers Set the Tone
The biggest reason behind India’s crushing dominance has been their disciplined and relentless bowling attack. Across the first three matches, Sri Lanka have failed to put up any significant resistance, never managing an individual score beyond 40.
Deepti Sharma has been outstanding with the ball, picking up four wickets across two matches, while Renuka Singh Thakur matched that tally in a single spell during the third T20I at the Greenfield Stadium. The Indian bowlers have consistently exploited early conditions, restricting Sri Lanka to modest totals.
Harmanpreet’s sharp decision-making at the toss has also played a role, with India opting to field first on all three occasions, allowing their bowlers to operate before dew became a factor. However, it has been execution rather than conditions that has truly defined India’s success.
Clinical Batting Makes Chases Look Easy
India’s batters have complemented the bowlers perfectly. Remarkably, the hosts have never batted beyond 14.4 overs while chasing in this series, losing no more than three wickets in any match.
Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues have led the charge with aggressive half-centuries, ensuring India wrapped up matches swiftly and decisively.
Smriti Mandhana Still Searching for a Big Knock
While India’s top order has largely delivered, star batter Smriti Mandhana is yet to find her rhythm. She has managed just 40 runs across three matches, averaging 13.33 at a strike rate below 100.
The elegant left-hander will be eager to produce a big innings in Thiruvananthapuram and regain her usual fluency, especially with the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup firmly in focus.
India Testing Bench Strength
With the series already sealed, India have rotated their squad smartly. Arundhati Reddy featured in the first two games before Renuka returned to the XI, underlining the team’s depth.
“We are trying different combinations keeping the T20 World Cup in mind,” Renuka said after the third T20I. “We want to maintain high standards after winning the ODI World Cup and continue performing at that level.”
India may also consider handing opportunities to young Gunalan Kamalini and experienced Harleen Deol, as the team management has already tested most of the squad members.
Sri Lanka Search for Redemption
For Sri Lanka, the series has been a sobering experience. Captain Chamari Athapaththu has lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup, despite the presence of promising players like Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, and Harshitha Samarawickrama.
The visitors will be desperate for at least one defining performance to restore confidence and avoid a whitewash. Their young bowling attack, which has looked overawed so far, will also need to find greater discipline to challenge India’s powerful batting unit.
Match Outlook
As the series heads into its fourth match, all signs point towards another dominant Indian performance. Sri Lanka, however, will be playing for pride and momentum ahead of future tours.
A fourth consecutive win would not only underline India’s supremacy but also reinforce their status as one of the most formidable sides in women’s T20 cricket.
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (VC), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (WK), G Kamalini (WK), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma.
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika De Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara
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