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The Indian Women's cricket team delivered a dominant performance in the first innings of the ODI Tri-series final against Sri Lanka Women, held on Sunday, May 11. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team showcased exceptional batting prowess, setting a formidable total of 342/7 after 20 overs. This achievement marked a significant milestone for India Women in ODIs, as it represented their fifth-highest total ever recorded in the format. Notably, it also stands as their highest-ever total against Sri Lanka Women, underscoring the team's comprehensive performance against their opponents. The match, played at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, provided the perfect stage for India Women to demonstrate their cricketing abilities and establish a commanding position in the final. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Indian team capitalized on the favorable conditions, building a solid foundation and launching a sustained attack on the Sri Lankan bowling attack. The innings was characterized by a combination of calculated aggression and intelligent batting, as the Indian batters displayed a keen awareness of the match situation and adapted their approach accordingly. The steady start provided by the opening pair allowed the middle-order batters to come in and play with greater freedom, resulting in a flurry of boundaries and quick runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, finding it difficult to exploit any weaknesses in the Indian batting lineup. The fielding unit also contributed to the pressure, failing to capitalize on the few chances that came their way. The high score put immense pressure on the Sri Lankan team. The score was built on a solid opening partnership and aggressive middle-order batting. The conditions at the R.Premadasa Stadium favored batting, which India exploited well.
The innings began with a steady opening partnership, with Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana laying a foundation for the team. Rawal contributed 30 runs off 49 balls before being dismissed by Inoka Ranaweera in the 15th over. Her patient innings provided stability at the top of the order, allowing Mandhana to play with greater freedom. The arrival of Harleen Deol at the crease marked a turning point in the innings. Deol partnered with Mandhana to accelerate the scoring rate, adding valuable runs and putting pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers. However, the star of the innings was undoubtedly Smriti Mandhana, who smashed her 11th ODI century, her first against Sri Lanka. Mandhana's innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting, as she peppered the boundary with well-timed shots and demonstrated her ability to score quickly and consistently. She reached her century off just 92 balls, a testament to her attacking intent and dominance over the Sri Lankan bowling attack. Her innings included a sequence of four consecutive boundaries, highlighting her ability to seize the momentum and put the opposition on the back foot. Mandhana's magnificent innings came to an end in the 33rd over, when she was dismissed by Dewmi Vihanga after scoring 115 runs off 101 deliveries. Her contribution was crucial in setting up the platform for the middle-order batters to launch an assault in the later stages of the innings. The loss of Mandhana's wicket did little to slow down the Indian scoring rate. Harleen Deol continued her aggressive approach, adding 47 runs off 56 balls before being caught out by Dewmi Vihanga in the 37th over. Her innings provided valuable support to Mandhana and helped to maintain the momentum of the innings.
Following Deol's dismissal, Captain Harmanpreet Kaur took charge, smashing 41 runs off 30 balls, including 4 boundaries and a six. Kaur's aggressive approach further accelerated the scoring rate, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under immense pressure. She demonstrated her ability to clear the boundary with ease, adding valuable runs in the crucial middle overs. Kaur's innings was a testament to her leadership qualities and her ability to perform under pressure. Her dismissal in the 42nd over, caught by Sugandika Kumari, did little to halt the Indian onslaught. Jemimah Rodrigues continued the momentum, playing a crucial knock of 44 runs off just 29 balls. Rodrigues' innings was characterized by her ability to find the gaps in the field and score quickly, adding valuable runs in the final overs. Her dismissal by Suganda did not deter the Indian team. Although the later batters failed to contribute significantly, the damage had already been done, and the team's total reached a formidable 342/7. The Indian innings was a showcase of batting depth, with contributions from several batters. The ability of the middle-order batters to maintain the scoring rate throughout the innings was crucial in setting up the high score. The Sri Lankan bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, finding it difficult to exploit any weaknesses. The fielding unit also failed to provide adequate support, allowing the Indian batters to capitalize on their opportunities. The Indian team had a strong playing XI. The captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, led by example with her aggressive batting. Smriti Mandhana showed her class with a century. The bowling lineup was also well-rounded.
The Sri Lanka Women's squad included Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Chamari Athapaththu, Piumi Badalge, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, and Inoka Ranaweera. While a few Sri Lankan bowlers managed to pick up wickets, they struggled to contain the Indian batting lineup. Dewmi Vihanga managed to dismiss Smriti Mandhana and Harleen Deol, while Sugandika Kumari accounted for the wickets of Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues. However, these successes were not enough to prevent the Indian team from reaching a formidable total. In contrast, the India Women Squad comprised Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, and Kranti Goud. The team's batting lineup showcased exceptional depth, with several batters contributing significantly to the score. The bowling attack was also well-rounded, with a mix of pace and spin options. The combination of batting depth and bowling variety made India Women a formidable force in the tournament. Overall, the Indian Women's team's performance in the first innings of the ODI Tri-series final against Sri Lanka Women was a testament to their cricketing abilities. The team's batting depth, aggressive approach, and ability to perform under pressure were all key factors in their success. The high score set by the Indian team put immense pressure on the Sri Lankan team, who faced a daunting task in the second innings. The conditions at the R.Premadasa Stadium favored batting, which India exploited well. The victory showed a strong all-around performance by the Indian Women's team.
The India Women's team has achieved numerous milestones in ODIs. Their highest total remains 435/5 against Ireland in 2025, followed by 370/5 against Ireland in 2025 and 358/2 against Ireland in 2017. Another significant achievement was 358/5 against West Indies in 2024. The current score of 342/7 against Sri Lanka is their fifth-highest total in ODIs. This consistent performance highlights the team's batting prowess and their ability to perform at a high level. The team's success can be attributed to several factors, including a strong batting lineup, a well-rounded bowling attack, and a dedicated coaching staff. The team's emphasis on fitness and conditioning has also played a crucial role in their success. The players have worked hard to improve their skills and develop their game awareness. The team's camaraderie and team spirit have also been key factors in their success. The players support each other on and off the field, creating a positive and supportive environment. The India Women's team is a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers across the country. Their success has helped to promote the game and inspire young girls to take up the sport. The team's dedication and hard work have earned them the respect and admiration of fans around the world. The future of Indian women's cricket looks bright, with a talented pool of players and a dedicated coaching staff. The team is well-positioned to continue its success and achieve even greater milestones in the years to come. This remarkable performance solidifies their position as a dominant force in women's cricket, showcasing their talent, determination, and strategic prowess on the international stage. The players and coaching staff are committed to excellence, and their hard work is paying off.
Looking ahead, the India Women's team will be aiming to continue their winning streak. The team has a busy schedule ahead, with several international matches and tournaments lined up. The team will be looking to build on their success and achieve even greater milestones. The team will also be looking to develop young players and create a sustainable pipeline of talent. The team's goal is to become the number one team in the world and inspire generations of cricketers to come. The India Women's team has made significant strides in recent years, establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in international cricket. Their success is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and passion for the game. The team's achievements have inspired countless young girls across the country to take up cricket, contributing to the growth and development of women's cricket in India. With continued support and investment, the India Women's team has the potential to achieve even greater heights and become a global powerhouse in women's cricket. Their performances not only bring pride to the nation but also serve as a catalyst for positive change, promoting gender equality and empowering women in sports. The team's journey is a testament to the transformative power of sports, inspiring individuals to overcome challenges, pursue their dreams, and achieve excellence. In addition, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been instrumental in providing the necessary resources and support for the development of women's cricket in India. Their investments in infrastructure, coaching, and player development have been crucial in creating a conducive environment for the team to thrive. The BCCI's commitment to promoting women's cricket is evident in its efforts to organize domestic tournaments, provide opportunities for young players to showcase their talent, and promote the sport at the grassroots level. With continued support from the BCCI, the India Women's team is poised to achieve even greater success in the years to come.