India Women move to 102/2 in their chase against Sri Lanka Women in the first T20I, riding on a composed half-century from Jemimah Rodrigues after Smriti Mandhana is dismissed for 25 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Mandhana gives India a steady start at the top of the order, striking the ball cleanly and rotating the strike before falling in the middle overs. Her dismissal briefly lifts Sri Lanka’s hopes, but any momentum is quickly checked by Rodrigues, who once again shows her value in pressure situations.

Calm and assured, Jemimah builds her innings patiently, mixing sharp singles with well-timed boundaries to bring up her fifty and keep India firmly in control of the chase.

India’s approach remains measured rather than aggressive, with the batters choosing calculated shots against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. With wickets in hand and the required run rate under control, the hosts avoid unnecessary risks and continue to dictate terms in the chase.

Earlier, India’s bowlers produced a clinical effort to restrict Sri Lanka Women to 121/6 in 20 overs. The visitors struggled to generate momentum on a surface that offers assistance to the bowlers, particularly during the middle phase of the innings.

India’s attack maintained tight lines and lengths, making run-scoring difficult and preventing Sri Lanka from launching a late assault.

Sri Lanka attempted to build partnerships through the innings but failed to sustain them. While there were brief flashes of resistance, regular wickets ensured the total remained within India’s reach.

The Indian fielding unit complemented the bowling effort with sharp work in the deep, cutting off boundaries and applying consistent pressure.

With Rodrigues set at the crease and support around her, India look well placed to close out the chase and take a 1-0 lead in the T20I series. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, require quick breakthroughs to stay alive in the contest.

The opening match of the series serves as an important test for both sides, but at this stage, India appear to be in complete control, combining disciplined bowling with a calm and methodical batting performance.

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