In a crucial encounter of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, India will face Sri Lanka in the 12th match, with both teams vying for victory. While the result is paramount, several players are on the verge of personal milestones that could add to the excitement of the game.
Smriti Mandhana is 32 runs away from 500 T20 World Cup runs
India’s vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, is just 32 runs shy of becoming the third Indian woman to score 500 runs in T20 World Cup history, a milestone already achieved by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur. Mandhana, however, has struggled for form in the tournament so far, with scores of 12 and 9 in her first two outings.
Shafali Verma is 18 runs away from 2000 T20I runs
Opening alongside Mandhana, Shafali Verma is also eyeing a notable achievement. The explosive batter is just 18 runs away from joining the elite 2000-run club in T20Is. With 1,982 runs in 83 matches, Shafali could become the fifth Indian woman to cross this landmark. She was India’s top scorer in their game against Pakistan, with 32 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur is 30 runs away from 3500 T20I runs
India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, too, is on the verge of a milestone. The seasoned all-rounder needs only 30 more runs to reach 3,500 T20I runs, solidifying her position among the game’s greats. She played a vital knock of 29 in India’s opening win but had to retire hurt due to a neck injury.
Renuka Singh is 1 match away from 50 T20I matches
On the bowling front, Renuka Singh Thakur will make her 50th appearance for India in T20Is. Renuka, who burst onto the international stage with a memorable performance against Australia at the Commonwealth Games, has since taken 53 wickets, making her the third-highest wicket-taker among Indian pacers in T20Is.
Pooja Vastrakar is 1 wicket away from 100 International wickets
All-rounder Pooja Vastrakar, though did not feature in the match against Pakistan, is just one wicket away from claiming her 100th international scalp. Her return to the playing XI could bolster India’s bowling attack.
Harshitha Samarawickrama is 7 runs away from 1500 T20I runs
On the Sri Lankan side, Harshitha Samarawickrama, who recently completed her 100th international match, is just seven runs away from reaching 1,500 T20I runs, becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman, after Chamari Athapaththu, to achieve this feat.
Nilakshika de Silva is 1 match away from 100 T20I matches
Veteran batter Nilakshika de Silva is set to play her 100th T20I, making her just the third Sri Lankan woman to reach the landmark. With 1,097 T20I runs to her name, de Silva has been a reliable figure in Sri Lanka’s middle order.
Chamari Athapaththu is 4 wickets away from 100 international wickets
Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, remains the focal point of their hopes. Already a prolific all-rounder, she is just four wickets away from completing 100 international wickets. Her leadership and all-round abilities will be key for Sri Lanka’s chances.
Kavisha Dilhari is 27 runs away from 1000 international runs
Meanwhile, young all-rounder Kavisha Dilhari is nearing the 1,000-run mark in international cricket, with just 27 runs to go. In T20Is, she requires 9 more runs to reach 500. Her bowling has also been effective, with 51 T20I wickets, making her a vital cog in the Sri Lankan team.
Historically, India has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 19 of their 25 T20I encounters against Sri Lanka. However, Sri Lanka claimed the upper hand in their most recent clash, winning the 2024 Asia Cup final.
The match will be played under the lights at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with the action set to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
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