Veteran all-rounder Nilakshika Silva’s quick half-century helped Sri Lanka beat India by three wickets in the Women’s Tri-Series on Sunday to register their first ODI win against India in seven years. This is Sri Lanka’s second win in the tournament, which has brought them closer to making it to the finals. This is India’s first defeat in the tournament but the team is still a strong contender to make it to the finals thanks to the victory in the first two matches.
With the help of an impressive innings of 58 runs in 48 balls by wicketkeeper-batsman Richa Ghosh, India scored 275 runs for the loss of nine wickets after being invited to bat. In reply, Sri Lanka scored 278 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 49.1 overs with the help of Nilakshika’s innings of 56 runs in 33 balls with three sixes and five fours. After Nilakshika was out, Anushka Sanjivani (23 not out in 28 balls) and Sugandhika Kumari (19 not out in 20 balls) made an unbroken partnership of 40 runs in 39 balls for the eighth wicket and gave Sri Lanka the victory. While chasing the target, Hasini Perera (22 runs in 27 balls) started well but was run out on an accurate throw by Deepti Sharma.
Harshita Samarawickrama (53) took charge of Sri Lanka’s innings by adding 78 runs for the second wicket with Vishmi Gunaratne (33 runs off 58 balls). Arundhati Reddy (one wicket for 55 runs) broke this partnership by getting Vishmi caught by substitute fielder Amanjot Kaur. After completing her half-century, Harshita got caught by Arundhati off the bowling of off-spinner Pratika Rawal (one wicket for 32 runs). She hit five fours in her 61-ball innings. Captain Chamari Atapattra (23) and Kavisha Dilhari (35) made useful contributions, but Sneh Rana (three wickets for 45 runs) tried to bring India back by sending both of them to the pavilion.
However, Nilakshika and then Anushka and Sugandhika batted patiently under pressure and gave the host team victory. Earlier, Richa hit five fours and three sixes in her innings and was the top scorer for India. Jemima Rodrigues (37 runs off 46 balls), Pratika (35 runs off 39 balls), captain Harmanpreet Kaur (30 runs off 45 balls), and Harleen Deol (29 runs off 35 balls) started well, but they could not convert it into a big score. Due to cloudy weather, Chamri won the toss and invited India, who are at the top of the points table, to bat first.
India Start Well but Struggle Against Sri Lankan Spinners
India started well, but vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, playing her 100th 50-over international match, was run out after scoring 18 runs off 28 balls. Pratika, who scored two consecutive half-centuries in the series, again looked in good rhythm. However, when this opener seemed to be moving towards a big score, she was lbw to left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera. Harleen Deol also lost her wicket to part-time bowler Devmi Vihanga after spending enough time at the crease. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur was dismissed by a left-arm spinner Sugandhika Kumari scored 30 runs. Captain Chamari and Sugandhika were the best bowlers from Sri Lanka with three wickets each.
Upcoming matches in the tri-series
In this tri-series, all three teams have to play 2 matches against each other. Out of which the Indian team has currently played 2 matches against Sri Lanka. While one match is yet to be played against South Africa. Sri Lanka also has to play one match against South Africa. In such a situation, two more matches are yet to be played in this series. Then, after these matches, the final will be played on 11 May.
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 06/05/2025 | India vs South Africa | Colombo |
| 08/05/2025 | Sri Lanka vs South Africa | Colombo |
| 11/05/2025 | Final | Colombo |
