A night of big runs, fearless batting and history-making totals at the Greenfield International Stadium took an unforgettable turn when substitute fielder G Kamalini pulled off a breathtaking juggling catch under pressure. The moment summed up a thrilling fourth T20I, where India Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by 30 runs in a contest that redefined batting benchmarks in women’s T20 internationals.
Record totals light up Thiruvananthapuram
The fourth T20I between India Women and Sri Lanka Women turned into a run-fest as both sides registered their highest-ever team totals in Women’s T20Is. India posted a commanding 221 for 2 in their 20 overs, surpassing their previous best of 217/4 against West Indies. Sri Lanka, in response, smashed 191 for 6, eclipsing their earlier record of 184/4.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma unleash batting masterclass
India’s innings was built on an explosive opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who took the Sri Lankan bowling apart with controlled aggression. Mandhana anchored the innings with a fluent 80 off 48 balls, mixing elegance with power, while Shafali’s 79 off 46 provided relentless momentum at the top.
The duo ensured India maintained a blistering run rate throughout, setting the platform for a destructive finish. Richa Ghosh then delivered the final flourish, smashing 40 off just 16 deliveries to propel India past the 220 mark. Mandhana’s authoritative knock earned her the Player of the Match award.
Sri Lanka fight back led by Chamari Athapaththu
Chasing a daunting target, Sri Lanka showed commendable intent. Captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a brisk 52 off 37 balls, while Hasini Perera added a rapid 33 off 20 to keep the chase alive. Despite the positive start, the required rate continued to climb, and India’s bowlers held their nerve in the latter stages. Vaishnavi Sharma emerged as the standout with figures of 2 for 24, applying crucial brakes in the middle overs.
G Kamalini’s juggling catch turns heads
The defining moment arrived on the second ball of the 19th over when Arundhati Reddy tempted Kavisha Dilhari into a lofted shot towards long-on. What followed left the crowd gasping. Substitute fielder Kamalini initially misjudged the catch as the ball popped out of her hands. With remarkable composure, she stayed focused, juggled the ball three times, and finally clung on at the fourth attempt, even as Amanjot Kaur closed in nearby.
The stunning effort dismissed Dilhari at a critical juncture, effectively sealing the match in India’s favour and instantly becoming one of the highlights of the series.
Here’s the video:
Bit of a juggle but hangs onto it 👏
G.Kamalini makes an impact at the boundary 👊
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
