Jemimah’s Fiery Fifty and Tight Bowling Propel India to T20I Victory Against Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka faced a formidable Indian team still buoyed by their recent ODI World Cup victory, resulting in a decisive eight-wicket loss in the opening match of the T20I series at the ACA-VDCA Stadium on Sunday.

A disciplined bowling performance followed by a seamless chase provided ample entertainment for the 7,000-strong audience on a crisp winter night in the port city.

Sri Lanka’s success, particularly in recent times, has heavily relied on Chamari Athapaththu. As expected, India seized control after dismissing the seasoned player.

RECAP: IND-W vs SL-W, 1st T20I Highlights: India defeats Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Vizag

The visitors set a modest target of 122, which the Women in Blue, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’s 14th T20I half-century, chased down with ease.

Opting to bowl first due to the anticipated dew setting in as the evening progressed, Athapaththu took on the aggressor’s role with two boundaries off Kranti Gaud. A clever change in angle and increased speed allowed Kranti to penetrate the Lankan captain’s defense, earning the 22-year-old her first T20I wicket. This was reminiscent of her earlier dismissal of Laura Wolvaardt at this venue during the ODI World Cup.

Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma nearly claimed her first international wicket, but Shree Charani dropped a simple catch at short fine leg following a thick top edge from Hasini Perera. Deepti Sharma, however, quickly rectified the situation by dismissing Perera in the next over.

Vice-captain Harshitha Samarawickrama survived an early leg before appeal, taking the lead as Vishmi Gunaratne struggled at the other end. Charani missed another easy catch off Arundhati Reddy’s delivery, giving Harshitha another chance.

Charani redeemed herself by delivering a quicker ball that bowled out a sweeping Harshitha.

Over 7,000 fans were present as India began preparations for next summer’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

Vishmi’s instinct to accelerate Sri Lanka’s innings kicked in too late, resulting in the team’s only six, aided by Smriti’s dropped catch.

Kawya Kavindi managed to remove Shafali Verma early, but India’s momentum remained unbroken. Jemimah, ending with a brilliant 69 not out, teamed up with Smriti Mandhana and later with Harmanpreet Kaur to secure a 1-0 lead in the series with 32 balls to spare.

Jemimah’s dynamic scoring and effective strike rotation make her the ideal number 3 anchor for this Indian lineup, and this match-winning performance should solidify her position as India plans its roster for the T20 World Cup in England next summer.

Published on Dec 21, 2025