India Crushes Sri Lanka to Boost Semi-Final Hopes

India delivered a commanding all-round display to bolster their chances of reaching the semi-finals, while knocking Sri Lanka out of the Women's T20 World Cup in Dubai. 

India set a formidable target of 173, with Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur both hitting impressive half-centuries. Sri Lanka, in response, collapsed to 6-3 early on and were eventually bowled out for 90 in 19.5 overs, securing an emphatic 82-run victory for India.

Mandhana and Kaur led the charge with the bat, posting 172-3—India’s highest total in the tournament so far. Kaur, who was dropped on 22, punished Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 52 off just 27 balls. Mandhana also contributed a flawless 50 off 36 deliveries, sharing a 98-run opening partnership with Shafali Verma, who added a quick-fire 43.

Sri Lanka’s hopes largely rested on their star all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu, but they suffered a nightmare start. Athapaththu managed only one run, and fellow opener Vishmi Gunaratne was brilliantly caught by Radha Yadav from the second ball of the innings. 

India's dominance extended into the bowling department, with Asha Sobhana and Arundhati Reddy both claiming 3-19, maintaining relentless pressure on Sri Lanka. The Indian bowlers executed their plans with precision, outclassing their opponents at every turn.

India’s victory moves them up to second in Group A, significantly improving their net run-rate after a heavy loss to New Zealand in the opening game. However, a tougher challenge awaits on Sunday when they face defending champions Australia in their quest for a top-two finish.

Sri Lanka, still without a win, remains at the bottom of the group. They will seek to end their campaign on a positive note in their final match against New Zealand.

India’s batting performance came under scrutiny after previous shaky outings, with a collapse to 102 all out against New Zealand and a nervy chase of 105 against Pakistan. However, on a better pitch, India's top order finally came alive, with Mandhana and Verma setting the tone early on.

Mandhana, who struggled in her earlier matches, found her rhythm after a slow start against Sri Lanka. Verma’s aggressive strokeplay relieved the pressure, and Mandhana soon followed, hitting four boundaries and a six during her knock.

Though both openers fell in quick succession, with Mandhana run out and Verma mistiming a shot to cover, Jemimah Rodrigues and Kaur ensured the innings stayed on track. Kaur capitalised on a dropped catch by Inoka Ranaweera, hammering the spinners with sweeps and powerful drives to finish the innings strongly.

Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued as they failed to mount any serious resistance, with only 21 from Kavisha Dilhari and 20 from Anushka Sanjeewani offering any notable contributions. Their weak totals of 85 and 93 in earlier matches highlighted their struggles, and they exited the tournament without much of a fight.

While India has a history of faltering in knockout stages, this dominant display suggests they may be hitting their stride at the right time in this World Cup.