In a thrilling encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka Women pulled off a remarkable chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets with five balls to spare in the 4th ODI of the ongoing seven-match series. The victory was powered by a stunning late surge from Nilakshi de Silva, who remained unbeaten on 56 off just 33 balls, anchoring Sri Lanka’s highest successful chase of the series.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s bowlers executed their plans well despite India putting up a challenging total of 275/9 in 50 overs. India’s innings was anchored by wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who played a fluent knock of 58 off 48 balls, laced with powerful strokes and calculated aggression. She was supported by Jemimah Rodrigues (37 off 46) and debutant Pratika Rawal, who contributed a handy 35 off 39 deliveries.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals, with skipper Chamari Athapaththu leading from the front. She finished with figures of 3/43 in her 10 overs, while left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari also impressed with 3/44. Inoka Ranaweera chipped in with a wicket and applied pressure in the middle overs.
Chasing 276 for victory, Sri Lanka Women had a steady start, with Harshitha Samarawickrama providing early momentum through her composed knock of 53 off 61 deliveries. The middle-order wobbled slightly, but Kavisha Dilhari (35 off 32) played a vital supporting role to stabilize the innings.
The game changed decisively in the final 10 overs, as Nilakshi de Silva unleashed a calculated assault on the Indian bowlers. Her unbeaten 56 came in just 33 balls, featuring elegant stroke play and fearless hitting. She found boundaries at crucial junctures and formed key partnerships that slowly chipped away at the target.
Despite a disciplined bowling effort from Sneh Rana (3/45), India struggled to contain the Lankan batters in the closing stages. Pratika Rawal and Arundhati Reddy picked up a wicket each, but India’s death bowling faltered under pressure.
With this win, Sri Lanka Women have closed the gap in the ODI series and gained significant momentum heading into the final matches. The win not only boosts their confidence but also highlights the growing depth in their batting lineup, capable of chasing big totals under pressure.
Match Summary:
India Women: 275/9 in 50 overs
- Richa Ghosh – 58 (48)
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 37 (46)
- Pratika Rawal – 35 (39)
- Chamari Athapaththu – 3/43 (10)
- Sugandika Kumari – 3/44 (10)
Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs
- Nilakshi de Silva – 56* (33)
- Harshitha Samarawickrama – 53 (61)
- Kavisha Dilhari – 35 (32)
- Sneh Rana – 3/45 (10)
- Pratika Rawal – 1/32 (5.1)
Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 3 wickets (with 5 balls remaining)
