Follow UsSri Lanka Women handed India a shock defeat, with a three-wicket win in the fourth match of the tri-series, on May 4 (Sunday). Sri Lanka inserted India to bat first, and immediately were on the backfoot, as India put on a 51-run first-wicket partnership.
But just as it looked like the opening partnership was going to grow bigger, a miscommunication between Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal put India on the back foot. Harleel Deol came out smashing with a 35-ball 29 before they went from 59/1 to 59/2 and 101/3.
India had multiple contributions from lower down the order, as Richa Ghosh smashed a 48-ball 58 (five fours and three sixes). Kashvee Gautam put on a show lower down the order with an 11-ball 17 as it took India to 275/9 after their 50 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka got off to the worst possible start, losing a wicket inside the powerplay, as Hasini Perera got run out for a 27-ball 22. While there was not a single big contribution, the trio of Harshitha Samarawickrama (53), Kavisha Dilhari (35) and Nilakshi de Silva (33-ball 56) was enough to take them over the line in the very last over of the innings.
“We played positive cricket in the last game and today as well. Really happy as a captain, the youngsters lead from the front and play their best cricket. We are ready for anything, can't predict the toss. If we bat first, we will try to score 250 runs, that's our target,” Chamari said in the post-match presentation.
“Haven't been in the best form for the past 2 games, that's why stepped down the order and played a different role. As a senior player, have to lead from the front, that's important. I've played for 15 years and haven't bowled much. These days I'm bowling more. Try to keep it simple and on the stumps, that's my mantra,” she added.
Rightfully, Nilakshi was named as the Player of the Match. "Want to thank the crowd. Had a plan, backed ourselves and played to the situation," Nilakshi said.