Opener Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) struck impressive maiden T20I half-centuries, but their efforts were not enough as India defeated Sri Lanka Women by 15 runs to complete a 5–0 whitewash in the fifth and final Women’s T20I at Thiruvananthapuram.
India dominated the series in emphatic fashion, registering their first-ever 5–0 T20I series victory at home. For Sri Lanka, it marked their first 5–0 defeat in a five-match Women’s T20I series, having previously featured only in four such contests.
Sri Lanka’s Chase Falls Short
Chasing 176, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when skipper Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for 2 in the second over, brilliantly caught by Deepti Sharma at extra cover off Arundhati Reddy.
Hasini Perera and No.3 batter Imesha Dulani then steadied the innings with an outstanding 79-run second-wicket partnership. Both batters registered their maiden T20I half-centuries, with left-hander Hasini reaching her fifty off 37 balls, while the 23-year-old Imesha followed with a 38-ball fifty, highlighted by eight boundaries.
Imesha fell soon after her milestone, caught by Shafali Verma, giving Amanjot Kaur an immediate breakthrough with her first delivery of the match. That wicket proved crucial, as Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to maintain momentum.
Hasini continued to anchor the chase, but her dismissal for 65 off 42 balls (eight fours and a six) tilted the game firmly in India’s favour. Sri Lanka were 107 for 3 in the 15th over, but finished on 160 for 7, falling 15 runs short.
Harmanpreet Leads India’s Charge
Earlier, India were put in to bat and lost openers Shafali Verma (50) and debutant Gunalan Kamalini inside the first five overs. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur then took control with a commanding 68 off 43 balls, smashing nine fours and a six.
Harmanpreet shared a vital 68-run sixth-wicket partnership with Amanjot Kaur (21) before Arundhati Reddy provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 27 off 11 balls. Arundhati and Sneh Rana (8)* added an unbroken 33-run stand in the final three overs, lifting India to 175 for 7.
The final over, bowled by Malki Madara, proved decisive as it conceded 20 runs. Madara, who had given away just 17 runs in her first three overs, ended with figures of 0 for 37.
Bowlers’ Efforts and Awards
Off-spinner Kavisha Dilhari impressed with 2 for 11 from two overs, including the prized wicket of Harmanpreet. Rashmika Sewwandi and Chamari Athapaththu claimed two wickets each.
Harmanpreet Kaur was named Player of the Match, while Shafali Verma earned Player of the Series for her consistent displays.
Sri Lanka struggled in the opening three matches when batting first, failing to cross the 130-run mark. However, improved chases in the final two games showed signs of progress, despite India completing a clean sweep to cap off the year on a high following their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup triumph.
Chief Scores
India Women: 175/7 (20 overs)
Gunalan Kamalini 12, Harleen Deol 13, Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Amanjot Kaur 21, Arundhati Reddy 27*
Nimasha Mepage 1/25, Kavisha Dilhari 2/11, Rashmika Sewwandi 2/42, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21
Sri Lanka Women: 160/7 (20 overs)
Hasini Perera 65, Imesha Dulani 50, Rashmika Sewwandi 14*