New Delhi: India Women capped a dominant home season with a comprehensive 5–0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka, clinching the fifth and final match by 15 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. The victory was highlighted by a world record from Deepti Sharma and a captain’s knock of substance from Harmanpreet Kaur, as India continued their winning momentum following a World Cup triumph earlier in the year.
Batting first, India found themselves under pressure early after a shaky start that saw the top order falter. With key batters departing cheaply, the hosts slipped to 77 for five midway through the innings. At a crucial juncture, Harmanpreet held firm, anchoring the innings with a composed 68 off 43 deliveries. Her knock, laced with nine boundaries and a six, brought stability and ensured India remained competitive.
Support came through a vital sixth wicket partnership with Amanjot Kaur, who contributed a valuable 21. The finishing touches were applied by Arundhati Reddy, whose brisk unbeaten 27 off just 11 balls, including four fours and a six, propelled India to a defendable total of 175 for seven.
Sri Lanka’s chase began on an unsteady note with the early dismissal of skipper Chamari Athapaththu. However, a solid second wicket stand between Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani revived hopes. Both batters registered half centuries and kept Sri Lanka in the contest through steady boundary hitting and strike rotation. Despite their efforts, the inability to accelerate in the middle overs left the visitors slightly behind the required rate.
The turning point came when India’s spinners tightened the screws. Amanjot broke the partnership, and Deepti Sharma soon made history by trapping Nilakshika Silva leg before to claim her 152nd T20I wicket, the most by any bowler in women’s T20 internationals. Deepti finished with an economical spell, well supported by Vaishnavi Sharma, as Sri Lanka stumbled to 160 for seven.
The win sealed a flawless series for India, underlining their depth, discipline and consistency. Deepti’s landmark achievement and Harmanpreet’s timely leadership ensured the hosts ended the series on a commanding and celebratory note.
