The Indian Women's Cricket team is poised to face Sri Lanka in the third and final Women's T20 International. This decisive encounter will take place on June 27, 2022, at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka. Having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, India will be looking to complete a dominant whitewash.
Background
The ongoing tour marks a significant bilateral engagement between India and Sri Lanka, comprising three T20Is followed by three One Day Internationals. The T20I leg of the series has so far seen India assert its dominance, showcasing a blend of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding. The series serves as crucial preparation for both teams, albeit with differing objectives, ahead of major international tournaments later in the year.
The first T20I, played on June 23, 2022, at the same Dambulla venue, saw India clinch a victory by 34 runs. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 138 for 6. The innings was anchored by a resilient performance from Jemimah Rodrigues, who marked her return to the national side with a vital 36 runs off just 27 deliveries. Contributions from Shafali Verma and captain Harmanpreet Kaur also bolstered the score. In response, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum, ultimately restricted to 104 for 5. Captain Chamari Athapaththu fought a lone battle with a well-made 48, but lacked substantial support from her teammates. India's spin attack, spearheaded by Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, proved particularly effective in stifling the Sri Lankan chase. Fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur also provided crucial early breakthroughs.
The second T20I, held on June 25, 2022, also in Dambulla, witnessed another commanding performance from India, who secured a five-wicket victory. Sri Lanka, batting first, once again found it challenging to set a formidable total, managing only 125 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. Harshitha Madavi was the top scorer for the hosts with 43 runs. India's bowling unit maintained its discipline, with Renuka Singh Thakur delivering an exceptional spell, picking up two wickets while conceding very few runs. Deepti Sharma continued her economical run, maintaining tight control in the middle overs. In pursuit of 126, India's chase was characterized by a fluent start from Smriti Mandhana and a composed finish by Harmanpreet Kaur, who guided her team across the finish line with five balls to spare.
Historically, India has maintained a significant upper hand over Sri Lanka in Women's T20 Internationals. The head-to-head record heavily favors India, reflecting their consistent strength and depth in the format. Encounters between these two nations have often highlighted India's robust batting lineup and versatile bowling attack. This current series further extends India's dominance, particularly in Sri Lankan conditions, where the home team traditionally aims to leverage local knowledge.
The trajectory of both teams leading into this series provides further context. India arrived in Sri Lanka on the back of strong performances and a clear focus on building a cohesive unit for upcoming major tournaments. The team is in a phase of fine-tuning its strategies and testing its bench strength, with the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa looming large. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, India has adopted an aggressive brand of cricket, emphasizing proactive play in all three departments.
Conversely, Sri Lanka is a team in a rebuilding phase, striving to find consistency and develop a strong core of players capable of competing at the highest level. They have faced challenges in establishing batting partnerships and generating consistent breakthroughs with the ball against top-tier opposition. Despite the home advantage, the Sri Lankan side has struggled to impose itself in the first two matches. This series represents a critical learning curve for them, providing invaluable exposure to high-pressure international cricket and an opportunity to identify key talents for future assignments.
Key Developments
With the series already sealed in their favor, India possesses the luxury of experimenting with their playing XI for the third T20I. This presents a golden opportunity for players who have warmed the bench to showcase their skills on the international stage. Potential changes could see opportunities for individuals like Simran Bahadur, the young fast bowler, or wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who could add explosive power to the middle order. S Meghana, a talented top-order batter, might also get a look-in, as could the all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, if she hasn't featured prominently already. This rotation allows India to assess its wider talent pool and ensure that all squad members are match-ready, a crucial aspect for maintaining team morale and depth ahead of demanding schedules. Resting key players such as Smriti Mandhana or Renuka Singh Thakur, who have been instrumental in the victories, could also be a strategic consideration to manage workload and prevent injuries.
For Sri Lanka, the third match is about salvaging pride and finding answers to their consistent struggles. The pressure is immense on their batting unit to perform collectively. The team desperately needs stronger partnerships in the middle overs to build competitive totals. Captain Chamari Athapaththu remains the linchpin of their batting, but her individual brilliance has often not been supported by her teammates. The coaching staff will be strategizing on how to instill greater resilience and tactical acumen in their batters to counter India's disciplined bowling attack. On the bowling front, Sri Lanka needs to introduce more variations and execute strategic plans to contain India's powerful batting lineup. Oshadi Ranasinghe has shown glimpses of her capability with the ball, but consistent penetration and wicket-taking ability are essential.
The individual player form has been a significant narrative throughout the series. For India, Jemimah Rodrigues' successful comeback, marked by her crucial innings in the first T20I, has been a major positive. Harmanpreet Kaur has continued to demonstrate her all-round brilliance, contributing significantly with both bat and ball, and leading the team with authority. Renuka Singh Thakur has emerged as a standout performer with her impressive pace and swing, consistently providing early breakthroughs. Smriti Mandhana, despite not having a massive score, has provided consistent aggressive starts, setting the tone for India's chases. These performances underscore India's depth and the form of its key players.
On the Sri Lankan side, while Chamari Athapaththu has once again been their primary aggressor, the lack of support has been glaring. Harshitha Madavi's innings in the second T20I offered some hope, showing the potential for other batters to step up. Kavisha Dilhari has also shown glimpses of her all-round talent, but consistency remains a challenge. The team needs more players to convert starts into substantial scores and to contribute effectively with the ball.
Tactically, India is expected to maintain its emphasis on aggressive intent, particularly in the powerplay, both with bat and ball. Their strategy revolves around putting the opposition under pressure from the outset. For Sri Lanka, adapting to the Dambulla pitch conditions and devising effective counter-strategies against India's spin dominance will be paramount. The Dambulla surface has traditionally offered some assistance to spinners, which India has exploited expertly. Sri Lanka will also need to focus on significant improvements in their fielding, as lapses in this department have allowed India to capitalize and build pressure. Creating more run-out opportunities and taking crucial catches will be vital if they hope to upset India's rhythm.
Impact
The outcome of the third T20I, regardless of the series result, carries significant implications for various stakeholders in women's cricket. For the Indian team, a clean sweep would deliver a substantial boost in confidence and momentum heading into a packed international schedule. This psychological edge is invaluable, especially as they prepare for high-stakes tournaments like the Commonwealth Games, where the T20 format will be played. The series also provides a platform for player performance assessment and selection decisions. Opportunities for fringe players to stake a claim in the main squad are crucial, allowing the team management to fine-tune roles for established players and identify future stars. Furthermore, consistent victories contribute to consolidating India's position in the ICC T20I rankings, reinforcing their status as one of the top teams globally. The team's continued success also plays a vital role in enhancing fan engagement and support for women's cricket within India, inspiring a new generation of cricketers and enthusiasts.
For the Sri Lankan team, this series, despite the losses, serves as an invaluable learning experience. Competing against a top-tier team like India exposes their strengths and weaknesses, providing clear areas for improvement. While a whitewash could be a psychological setback, it can also act as a powerful catalyst for introspection and strategic re-evaluation. Conversely, even a single victory in the final match would provide a much-needed morale boost, demonstrating their capability to compete and offering a glimmer of hope for future series. The series is crucial for player development, allowing young talents to gain experience under intense pressure of international competition. The insights gathered from these matches will be instrumental in informing the coaching staff and selectors about the team's strengths, weaknesses, and the overall direction for future strategy and player development.
Beyond the two teams, the series has a broader impact on women's cricket globally. High-quality international cricket promotes the sport, attracting new fans and increasing its visibility. While India's dominance has been evident, the series also highlights the ongoing need for stronger development pathways and increased investment in emerging cricketing nations to foster competitive balance. More competitive series across the board are essential for the global growth of women's cricket. Successful series also have a positive effect on broadcasting figures and sponsorship interest, which are vital for the financial sustainability and growth of the sport.
Individually, the series continues to shape the careers and legacies of several players. For Harmanpreet Kaur, a series sweep would further cement her status as an accomplished captain and a formidable all-rounder. Her leadership and consistent performances are crucial for India's aspirations. Players like Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues aim to maintain their form and confidence, which are vital for their roles as key batters. The impressive performances of Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma are solidifying their positions as indispensable members of India's bowling attack. For Chamari Athapaththu, the pressure continues to mount as she strives to carry her team, and her individual efforts underscore the challenges faced by Sri Lankan cricket. For emerging Sri Lankan talents, these matches offer invaluable opportunities to shine on the international stage, learn from seasoned professionals, and gain the experience necessary for long-term growth.
What Next
The conclusion of the T20I series marks the immediate transition to the One Day International leg of India's tour of Sri Lanka. This three-match ODI series, commencing on July 1, 2022, holds even greater significance as it is part of the ICC Women's Championship. Points accrued in this championship contribute directly towards qualification for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, making these matches critically important for both nations. India will be looking to replicate their T20I dominance, while Sri Lanka will be desperate to make a mark and secure vital championship points on home soil.
Beyond this immediate engagement, both teams have significant milestones on their respective horizons. For India, the primary focus post-tour will undoubtedly be the Commonwealth Games 2022, scheduled to take place in Birmingham, England. The T20 format at the CWG makes this entire Sri Lanka series an invaluable preparatory ground, allowing the team to test combinations, refine strategies, and build team cohesion in a competitive environment. Following the CWG, the Asia Cup later in the year will be another key tournament, providing an opportunity for regional supremacy. The ultimate long-term goal for India, and indeed for Sri Lanka, is the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023, set to be hosted in South Africa. Building a formidable squad capable of challenging for this global title remains a paramount objective.
In terms of team development, India will continue its efforts to build a robust and versatile squad. This involves exploring more all-round options, ensuring flexibility in the batting order, and refining strategies to adapt to different conditions and opponents across the globe. A strong emphasis will also be placed on mental conditioning to ensure players are equipped to handle the pressure of major tournaments. For Sri Lanka, an intensive review of their performances in both T20Is and the upcoming ODIs will be crucial. This will involve a deep dive into their domestic cricket structure to unearth and nurture new talent, investing further in coaching and support staff, and developing a more resilient batting order and a diverse bowling attack capable of challenging top teams consistently.
The broader vision for women's cricket involves continued support from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for developing nations, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to compete at the highest level. The importance of regular bilateral series for all teams cannot be overstated, as these provide essential experience and help maintain a competitive edge. Ultimately, the goal is to grow the global fan base for women's cricket, and engaging contests like those seen in this series are fundamental to achieving that objective, inspiring new generations and securing the sport's future.
