SL-W vs IND-W: India Women Dominates Sri Lanka with 9-Wicket Victory in Rain-Reduced 2025 Tri-Nation Opener

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SL-W vs IND-W: India Women dominated Sri Lanka Women in the first match of the 2025 Sri Lanka Women’s Tri-Nation Series, claiming a comprehensive 9-wicket victory at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match, reduced to 39 overs per side due to rain, saw the Indian bowlers put up a disciplined performance, restricting Sri Lanka to a mere 147 all out.

Sneh Rana was the standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets, while Deepti Sharma and Arundhati Reddy also contributed with crucial breakthroughs. Despite a few early setbacks, India chased down the revised target with ease, thanks to a solid 50 not out from Pratika Rawal and a supporting knock of 48* from Harleen Deol.

Sri Lanka Women, after opting to bat first, never quite settled into a rhythm as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Their top-order faltered, with only Hasini Perera (30) offering any resistance. India’s clinical bowling attack ensured that Sri Lanka could not form any significant partnerships, and the hosts were eventually bowled out in 38.1 overs. In response, India’s opening pair of Rawal and Smriti Mandhana laid the foundation for a comfortable chase, with Rawal’s composed half-century guiding her side to victory. The win marks an ideal start for India in the tournament as they look to continue their strong form throughout the series.

Score Summary:

Sri Lanka Women: 147 all out (38.1 overs)

Top Scorers: Hasini Perera 30, Chamari Athapaththu 7

Best Bowling: Sneh Rana 3/31

India Women: 149/1 (29.4 overs)

Top Scorers: Pratika Rawal 50* (70 balls), Smriti Mandhana 43 (66 balls)

Best Bowling: Inoka Ranaweera 1/31

Sri Lanka Women’s Struggles with the Bat

Sri Lanka Women, having won the toss and opted to bat, found themselves in a precarious position early on. The Indian bowlers, led by the experienced Sneh Rana, kept the pressure on throughout the innings, and the Sri Lankan batters were unable to build any substantial partnerships.

The early breakthrough came in the 7th over when Chamari Athapaththu (7) was dismissed by Arundhati Reddy. Sri Lanka’s captain failed to make an impact and was caught behind by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh. The in-form Hasini Perera (30) followed soon after, falling to the tight spin of Sneh Rana, as the Sri Lankan innings began to falter.

Sri Lanka’s middle order never seemed to settle, with Harshitha Madavi (14), Hansima Karunaratne (4), and Nilakshi de Silva (10) all dismissed cheaply. Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma were in fine form, sharing the wickets and applying constant pressure. Rana picked up three wickets, while Sharma took two, including the important scalp of Anushka Sanjeewani, who was stumped by Ghosh for 22.

Nallapureddy Charani added to the Sri Lankan misery, dismissing Piumi Badalge (2) and Kavisha Dilhari (6) in quick succession. Sri Lanka’s tail collapsed as they were bowled out for a meagre 147 in 38.1 overs. The fall of wickets came at regular intervals, and only Perera showed any resilience in the face of India's disciplined bowling attack.

India Women’s Clinical Chase

Chasing a revised target of 148 in 39 overs, India Women got off to a flying start, thanks to the solid opening partnership between Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana. The pair added 54 runs for the first wicket before Mandhana (43) fell to a stunning delivery from Inoka Ranaweera, caught behind by Sanjeewani.

Rawal, however, remained resolute at the crease, bringing up a brilliant half-century. She was well-supported by Harleen Deol (48*), who kept the momentum going, finding the gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking. The pair’s unbeaten stand saw India reach their target in just 29.4 overs, completing the chase with ease.

Rawal’s composed knock of 50 from 70 balls was the cornerstone of the Indian innings, and her excellent batting was crucial in helping India cross the line. Deol’s contributions (48*) were equally significant, as she played the perfect anchor role, allowing Rawal to flourish at the other end.

The Indian batters faced no real challenges from the Sri Lankan bowlers. Malki Madara, Achini Kulasuriya, and Kavisha Dilhari all struggled to make an impact, and even Ranaweera, who had dismissed Mandhana, couldn’t stop the Indian charge. In the end, India cruised to a 9-wicket victory, with more than 9 overs to spare.

Key Moments:

• Pratika Rawal’s patient and match-winning knock of 50 not out was the highlight of India’s chase.
• Sneh Rana was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs, including crucial scalps in the middle order.
• Smriti Mandhana got India off to a great start with 43 runs before being dismissed.
• The Indian bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, which stifled Sri Lanka’s run-scoring opportunities.
• The match was reduced to 39 overs per side due to rain, and India adapted well to the revised conditions, chasing down the target comfortably.

Player of the Match: Pratika Rawal

Pratika Rawal was rightfully named the Player of the Match for her outstanding contribution with the bat. Her composed innings under pressure guided India to an easy victory, and her calm approach to chasing a modest target was exemplary.