Smriti Mandhana once again underlined her class and consistency in T20 internationals, remaining unbeaten on 52 as India Women cruised to a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women to take a 1–0 lead in the T20I series. The chase of 104 was wrapped up in just 13 overs, but it was Mandhana’s calm authority at the top that defined the tone of the match.
India entered the game as clear favourites and played like a team with a well-defined plan. After their bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to a modest total, the focus shifted to batting execution rather than flamboyance. Mandhana embodied that approach perfectly — composed, precise, and ruthless whenever the bowlers erred.
Opening the innings, Mandhana wasted no time in asserting control. She rotated strike early, ensuring India never fell into a holding pattern despite the low target. Once set, she began picking her moments to attack, playing her trademark drives through cover and lofted strokes over the infield with minimal risk. The innings wasn’t about raw power; it was about timing, placement, and decision-making.
Her unbeaten 52 came at a brisk pace, but more importantly, it removed any possibility of pressure creeping into the chase. With Mandhana anchoring one end, India’s other batters were free to play naturally. The required rate stayed comfortably below control throughout, and Sri Lanka never looked like clawing their way back into the contest.
This knock also continued Mandhana’s impressive run in T20 internationals, reinforcing her status as India Women’s most dependable top-order batter in the format. Over the last couple of years, she has evolved from being a stylish stroke-maker into a complete T20 player — capable of accelerating when needed, but equally comfortable playing the long game when the situation demands stability.
What stood out was her awareness of match context. On pitches where totals are low, reckless aggression can often hand momentum back to the bowling side. Mandhana avoided that trap completely. She respected the good deliveries, punished the bad ones, and ensured the chase progressed without drama.
India’s dominance in the match wasn’t limited to Mandhana alone, but her presence gave structure to the innings. The openers built a solid platform, the middle order didn’t even need to be tested, and India finished the job with overs to spare — a sign of both confidence and preparation.
For Sri Lanka Women, Mandhana’s innings highlighted the gap in execution at the international level. While their bowlers tried varying pace and lines, they struggled to apply sustained pressure. Without early wickets, a low target quickly turned into a straightforward task for a side as experienced as India.
From a series perspective, this performance puts India firmly in control. A dominant first win often sets the psychological tone, and Mandhana’s form at the top sends a clear message: India are not just aiming to win — they are looking to dictate terms throughout the series.
As the series progresses, Sri Lanka will need to find ways to break partnerships early and challenge India’s top order. For India, the takeaway is simple — when Smriti Mandhana bats deep, the margin for error for the opposition becomes extremely thin.
This was a clinical start, led by one of India Women’s most reliable performers, and it gives them exactly the kind of momentum they would have wanted heading into the remaining matches.
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