IND-W vs SL-W Highlights: Shafali 50 Seals 2-0 Lead

By Harshit - Dec 24, 2025 06:23 PM
Last updated on Dec 24, 2025 06:23 PM

India Women continued their dominant run against Sri Lanka Women with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in the second T20I, producing another clinical all-round performance that underlined the growing gulf between the two sides. Playing with confidence and clarity, the hosts showcased depth in bowling, sharp fielding, and explosive batting to seize an unassailable 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

The match once again revolved around the fearless batting of Shafali Verma, whose unbeaten half-century ensured there were no late jitters in the chase. Backed by disciplined bowling spells and energetic fielding, India dictated terms from the outset, leaving Sri Lanka struggling to find momentum at any stage of the contest.

As the series progresses, India’s display in the second T20I not only strengthened their position but also sent a strong message about their intent to dominate women’s white-ball cricket. For Sri Lanka, the defeat highlighted recurring issues in batting consistency and execution under pressure.

India Women Dominate With Ball After Opting to Bowl

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl first proved to be a decisive call for India Women, as their bowlers delivered a disciplined performance that choked Sri Lanka’s scoring options. From the very first over, India maintained tight lines and lengths, forcing the visiting batters into risky shots and preventing them from building partnerships.

Sri Lanka’s innings never quite took off, despite a promising start in the Powerplay. The Indian bowlers used variations smartly, mixing pace with spin to disrupt the batters’ rhythm. The middle overs, in particular, saw India tighten the screws, resulting in a steady fall of wickets and ensuring Sri Lanka could not accelerate at the death.

Chamari and Harshitha Show Resistance for Sri Lanka

At the top of the order, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu once again showed her importance to the side, leading from the front with a composed knock. Harshitha Samarawickrama provided valuable support, rotating the strike and finding occasional boundaries to keep Sri Lanka afloat during the early phase.

However, the lack of support from the middle order proved costly. As wickets tumbled around them, both Chamari and Harshitha were forced to take risks, eventually falling while attempting to lift the scoring rate. Their dismissals marked a turning point, after which Sri Lanka struggled to regain control.

India’s Bowling Unit Shines Collectively

India’s bowling success was built on teamwork rather than individual brilliance. Each bowler contributed by sticking to the plan and applying pressure consistently. The spinners were particularly effective, using subtle changes in pace and trajectory to deceive the batters and draw false shots.

The pacers complemented the spinners well, hitting hard lengths and making it difficult for Sri Lanka to free their arms. The result was a restricted total of 128 for 9, a score that always seemed below par given India’s powerful batting lineup and the conditions on offer.

Shafali Verma Leads the Chase With Authority

India’s response with the bat was emphatic, spearheaded by Shafali Verma’s fearless yet controlled innings. Even after the early dismissal of Smriti Mandhana, Shafali remained unfazed, taking charge of the chase and putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure.

Her approach was a blend of calculated aggression and smart shot selection. By targeting loose deliveries and rotating the strike efficiently, Shafali ensured that the required run rate never became a concern. Her ability to find gaps and clear the boundary at will turned the chase into a one-sided affair.

Jemimah Rodrigues Provides Crucial Support

While Shafali stole the spotlight, Jemimah Rodrigues played an important supporting role with a brisk cameo. Coming in during a crucial phase, Jemimah matched Shafali’s intent, taking on the bowlers and ensuring the pressure remained firmly on Sri Lanka.

The partnership between Shafali and Jemimah effectively sealed the contest, as the duo raced ahead with a flurry of boundaries. Jemimah’s dismissal did little to alter the outcome, as India were already well on course for victory.

Clinical Finish Seals Seven-Wicket Win

India wrapped up the chase in just 11.5 overs, underlining their dominance in all departments. Shafali Verma remained unbeaten on a commanding half-century, guiding the team home with composure and confidence. The emphatic nature of the win highlighted India’s depth and adaptability.

The seven-wicket victory not only gave India a 2-0 lead but also reinforced their reputation as one of the most formidable sides in women’s T20 cricket. The margin of victory reflected how thoroughly they outplayed Sri Lanka on the day.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur Praises Team Effort

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur was quick to credit the collective effort of her side, highlighting the bowlers’ discipline and the batters’ positive mindset. She emphasised the importance of setting high standards and maintaining intensity throughout the series.

Harmanpreet also pointed to improvements in fielding, noting that sharp catches and quick stops played a significant role in keeping Sri Lanka under pressure. Her leadership has been instrumental in fostering a confident and aggressive approach within the team.

Sri Lanka Face Tough Questions After Another Defeat

For Sri Lanka Women, the loss raised concerns about their inability to capitalise on starts and build competitive totals. While there were moments of promise, the lack of sustained partnerships and inconsistent bowling proved costly once again.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in the middle and death overs. As the series progresses, Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly and address these shortcomings to stay competitive.

Series Momentum Strongly With India

With a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, India Women have firmly seized control and will look to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches. The depth in their squad and the form of key players provide them with multiple options and flexibility.

The next fixture presents another opportunity for India to assert their dominance, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to bounce back and keep the series alive. As things stand, India’s blend of youth, experience, and fearless cricket continues to set them apart.

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