Mandhana, Verma Power India to 221/2 in Fourth T20I

India Women delivered a batting masterclass in the 4th T20I against Sri Lanka Women, racking up a strong 221 for 2 at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. What began as a tactical decision by Sri Lanka to bowl first quickly unraveled as India’s top order seized complete control of the contest.

On a surface offering true bounce and quick outfield value, India’s batters left little room for error.

Toss Decision Didn't Favor Sri Lankan Women's Team

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu opted to bowl first, but the decision proved costly. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to find movement or consistency, and defensive field placements arrived early in the innings.

Record-Breaking Opening Stand

Mandhana and Verma stitched together a monumental 162-run opening partnership, the highest for India in Women’s T20 Internationals. The stand laid the foundation for India’s massive total and effectively knocked Sri Lanka out of the contest by the time it was broken.

Mandhana scored a classy 80 off 48 balls, and her innings included 11 fours and three sixes. During the knock, she also became the fastest Indian woman to reach 10,000 international runs in terms of innings, another milestone in an already distinguished career.

Besides Mandhana, Verma also blasted 79 from 46 deliveries, including 12 fours and a six, with crisp cuts and powerful drives highlighting her intent. 

Walking in with freedom to attack, the wicketkeeper-batter, Ghosh, produced a blistering unbeaten 40 off just 16 balls.

Ghosh’s late assault included four fours and three sixes, many of them clean strikes over the ropes in the final overs. Her hitting pushed India beyond the 200-run mark and added significant weight to the total.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a supporting role at the death with an unbeaten 16 from 10 balls.

India closed their innings on a stunning 221 for 2, underlining their batting depth and form heading into the latter stages of the series. With dew expected to play a role in the chase, Sri Lanka needs a strong effort to win this match.