IND vs SL: Shafali Verma’s quickfire 69 helps India wrap up chase in 11.5 overs against Sri Lanka

Shafali Verma's unbeaten half-century helped India to register a comfortable seven-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the second Women’s T20I. With this win, India now lead the five-match series 2-0.

Earlier, India’s bowlers put in a strong all-round effort to restrict Sri Lanka to 128 for 9. Sneh Rana led the spin attack, well supported by young spinners Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani, as Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum.

Shafali's batting show against Sri Lanka

While chasing, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana was dismissed early for 14. Shafali, however, looked confident from the start and dominated the bowling during her 34-ball innings. She finished the match quickly, with India reaching the target in just 11.5 overs. This was the second match in a row where India completed the chase inside 15 overs.

Shafali hit 11 fours and one six in her innings. She attacked the spinners, especially left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, often stepping out to hit over extra cover. Her movement against spin was effective, whether coming down the track or playing off the back foot.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the newly appointed Delhi Capitals captain, joined Shafali and scored 26 off 15 balls. The duo stitched 58 run stand in 4.3 overs. By the time Rodrigues was dismissed, the result was already clear. Shafali reached her half-century in 27 balls and soon finished the game.

India restricted Sri Lanka to 128 for 9

Earlier, Sneh Rana, who came into the side after Deepti Sharma was ruled out due to fever, bowled tightly and finished with figures of 1 for 11 in four overs, including a maiden. Charani took 2 for 23, while Vaishnavi picked up 2 for 32 after another steady performance.

Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets for just 24 runs. India’s fielding was also much improved compared to the previous match, resulting in three run-outs.

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 31 off 24 balls and hit a few boundaries early on against the seamers. However, Sneh Rana kept her under control by bowling a good length. Athapaththu was eventually caught at long-off while trying to play an attacking shot.

Earlier, Vishmi Gunaratne was dismissed for 1, offering a simple catch to Kranti Gaud. Hasini Perera (22 off 28 balls) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (33 off 32 balls) added 44 runs but were unable to increase the scoring rate against India’s spinners.

Once Hasini was caught off Shree Charani, Sri Lanka lost wickets quickly and failed to recover, ending with a below-par total.