New Delhi: Jemimah Rodrigues continued her remarkable run in international cricket, producing a composed unbeaten half century to guide India to a commanding eight wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the five match women’s T20I series in Visakhapatnam. Her innings not only sealed a comfortable win for India but also placed her alongside Mithali Raj for the most fifty plus scores by an Indian batter against Sri Lanka in women’s T20Is.
After a disciplined bowling effort restricted Sri Lanka to 121 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs, India chased the target with ease, reaching 122 for 2 with more than five overs to spare. Rodrigues anchored the chase with an assured 69 not out from 44 deliveries, displaying calm under pressure and sharp game awareness.
With this knock, Rodrigues recorded her fourth fifty plus score against Sri Lanka in women’s T20Is, matching Mithali Raj’s tally. In the process, she moved ahead of Smriti Mandhana, who has three such scores, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur follows with two. Rodrigues brought up her half century in just 34 balls, striking 10 boundaries and maintaining a healthy scoring rate throughout the innings.
India suffered an early setback when Shafali Verma departed cheaply, but Rodrigues steadied the innings with a 54 run partnership for the second wicket alongside Mandhana. Mandhana played a measured knock of 25, reaching another personal milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to cross 4000 runs in T20I cricket. She struck four boundaries before being dismissed while attempting to accelerate.
Rodrigues then combined with Harmanpreet Kaur in an unbeaten stand that ensured there were no further hiccups. The captain remained not out on 15 as India cruised to victory and took a 1 nil lead in the series.
The match also reflected differing approaches by the two teams. India largely retained its settled combination following World Cup success, while Sri Lanka fielded several young players as both sides continue preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled in 2026.
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