India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I Live Cricket Score

India Women began their chase in the third T20 International against Sri Lanka Women with a familiar mix of aggression and caution, as Shafali Verma once again set the tone early, while Smriti Mandhana’s stay at the crease ended sooner than expected. With Sri Lanka setting a target of 113 runs, India looked in control despite the early wicket, reaching 27 for 1 in the initial phase of the chase.

The match, crucial in the context of momentum and series dominance, saw India asserting their intent from the first over, signaling no plans to let the modest target drag into a tense finish.

A Confident Start from India

Chasing 113, India’s strategy was clear from ball one — take advantage of the powerplay and reduce pressure early. Shafali Verma, known for her fearless approach, did exactly that. She attacked the Sri Lankan bowlers with confidence, finding gaps and using her trademark bat swing to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Her intent ensured that the required run rate never became a concern, allowing India to dictate terms rather than react to the bowling.

Smriti Mandhana’s Early Exit

While Shafali looked comfortable, India faced a minor setback when Smriti Mandhana was dismissed cheaply. The Indian vice-captain, usually a pillar of stability at the top, failed to settle in this innings. Her wicket came against the run of play and gave Sri Lanka a brief moment of relief.

Mandhana’s dismissal, however, did not significantly dent India’s position. With plenty of batting depth and a low target, the focus quickly shifted back to consolidation rather than damage control.

Shafali Verma: Setting the Pace Again

Once again, Shafali Verma proved why she is one of the most dangerous openers in women’s cricket. Her footwork was sharp, her shot selection aggressive yet controlled, and her confidence evident.

She targeted loose deliveries, rotated strike smartly, and ensured Sri Lanka could not build sustained pressure. This approach has become a recurring theme in the series, with Shafali consistently giving India fast starts that simplify the chase.

Her presence at the crease allowed India to absorb Mandhana’s wicket without panic.

Sri Lanka’s Bowling Effort

Sri Lanka Women entered the second innings knowing they needed early wickets to defend a below-par total. While Mandhana’s dismissal gave them a small opening, they struggled to contain Shafali’s aggression.

The bowlers attempted variations — slower balls, fuller lengths, and tighter lines — but consistency proved difficult in the powerplay. Fielding efforts were disciplined, but without sustained dot-ball pressure, breakthroughs were hard to come by.

Sri Lanka’s challenge remained clear: strike quickly or risk the match slipping away quietly.

Match Context: Why This Game Matters

The third T20I was more than just another match. For India, it was about reinforcing dominance, testing combinations, and maintaining winning habits. For Sri Lanka, it represented a chance to salvage pride and push India under pressure.

A low target like 113 can sometimes be tricky if early wickets fall, but India’s experience and depth heavily tilted the balance in their favour.

India’s Batting Depth: A Key Advantage

One of India’s biggest strengths in this series has been their batting depth. Even with Mandhana back in the pavilion, players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Richa Ghosh waiting ensured calm in the Indian camp.

This depth allows top-order batters to play freely, knowing there is sufficient cover behind them. It also forces opposition teams to attack continuously, increasing the risk of errors.

Tactical Approach During the Chase

India’s chase strategy was simple and effective:

• Use the powerplay to reduce the target
• Avoid unnecessary risks
• Rotate strike to prevent dot-ball pressure
• Finish the game with minimal fuss

Shafali’s aggressive approach complemented this plan perfectly, while the incoming batters were expected to stabilize before accelerating if required.

Sri Lanka’s Missed Opportunities

For Sri Lanka, the margin for error was slim. Dropped chances, loose deliveries, or poor field placements could prove costly in such a chase. While the team showed energy and intent, execution remained the missing piece.

Defending a low total against a strong batting unit requires near-perfect bowling and sharp fielding — something Sri Lanka struggled to maintain consistently.

Live Score Snapshot

Match: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 3rd T20I

Target: 113 runs

India: 27/1

Key Batter: Shafali Verma

Wicket Fallen: Smriti Mandhana

Match Phase: Early powerplay

India remained firmly in control at this stage.

What India Needs to Do From Here

From this point onward, India’s task was straightforward:

• Build one steady partnership
• Keep the run rate in check
• Avoid a cluster of wickets
• Finish the chase clinically

Given the match situation, India could afford patience without losing momentum.

Pressure on Sri Lanka

As overs ticked by, pressure increasingly shifted onto Sri Lanka. Every boundary conceded widened the gap, and without regular wickets, the fielding side risked watching the game drift away.

Sri Lanka needed something special — a sudden collapse or exceptional bowling spell — to bring themselves back into contention.

Bigger Picture: India’s Growing Confidence

Performances like these underline India Women’s growing confidence in T20 cricket. The team has shown adaptability, clarity in roles, and strong leadership across the series.

Shafali’s consistency at the top and the team’s ability to handle minor setbacks reflect a mature unit capable of handling varied match situations.

Fan Expectations and Atmosphere

Fans following the match expected a comfortable finish for India, especially with Shafali in form and the target within reach. Social media buzzed with praise for her fearless approach and discussions around Mandhana’s rare early dismissal.

The general mood remained optimistic, with most viewers anticipating a smooth chase.

Conclusion

At 27 for 1, India Women were well placed in the chase of 113 in the third T20I against Sri Lanka Women. While Smriti Mandhana’s early dismissal provided a brief opening for Sri Lanka, Shafali Verma’s aggressive start ensured India retained full control of the game.

With batting depth, experience, and composure on their side, India looked set to close out the match comfortably unless Sri Lanka produced something extraordinary.

As the chase progressed, the focus remained on how quickly and cleanly India could finish the job — and whether Shafali Verma could once again turn a solid start into a match-defining innings.