Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 31: Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur produced a captain’s knock of 68 runs off 43 balls before the bowlers delivered a disciplined performance as India defeated Sri Lanka by 15 runs in the fifth and final T20I on Tuesday, completing a 5-0 series sweep.
India, reeling at 77 for five at one stage, were rescued by Harmanpreet’s crucial fifty—her first of the series—and Arundhati Reddy’s unbeaten 27 off 11 balls, guiding the hosts to a competitive 175 for seven. Harmanpreet struck nine fours and a six and shared a decisive 61-run stand with Amanjot Kaur (21) to revive the innings after early setbacks.
In reply, Sri Lanka put up a strong fight with Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) adding 79 runs for the second wicket, but their failure to accelerate in the slog overs left them short, finishing on 160 for seven.
India’s spin attack applied consistent pressure, with Deepti Sharma (1/28) and Vaishnavi Sharma (1/33) bowling tight spells. Deepti also became the highest wicket-taker in women’s T20Is, surpassing Australia’s Megan Schutt, with 152 wickets in 134 matches.
Earlier, debutant G Kamalini (12) and Shafali Verma (5) departed early, while middle-order collapses saw India lose quick wickets. Harmanpreet’s composed innings, however, ensured India had enough on board, capped by Arundhati’s late flourish that featured four fours and a six.
With this win, India wrapped up a dominant campaign, closing an exceptional year that also included their T20 World Cup triumph.
Brief Scores:
India: 175/7 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Amanjot Kaur 21, Arundhati Reddy 27*; Chamari Athapaththu 2/21, Kavisha Dilhari 2/11)
Sri Lanka: 160/7 in 20 overs (Hasini Perera 65, Imesha Dulani 50; Deepti Sharma 1/28)
