Sneh Rana scripted a sensational return to international cricket while debutant Nallapureddy Charani made an instant mark as India trounced Sri Lanka in a rain-shortened opening match of the Tri-series at the R Premadasa Stadium April 27. After a delay of three hours due to heavy showers, the match was reduced to 39 overs a side, but that hardly dimmed India’s clinical brilliance as they bundled Sri Lanka out for a modest 147.
Opting to bowl first, India seized control early, led by the returning Rana. Coming back into the ODI fold after her last appearance in December 2023 against Australia, where she returned figures of 1/59, Rana wasted no time making an impact. She broke through in the 14th over with a skiddy delivery that trapped Hasini Perera lbw. Perera, trying to work it across the line, was beaten on the inside edge and rapped on the pads, falling for 30 off 46 balls.
Rana’s consistent all-round show in the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) played a vital role in her national comeback. Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rana claimed 6 wickets in 5 matches. She maintained an impressive bowling average of 18.50 with best figures of 3/26. With the bat, Rana chipped in crucial runs down the order, scoring 27 runs in 2 innings at an outstanding strike rate of 385.71, with a highest score of 26.
Her magic continued into the 18th over when she removed Hansima Karunaratne. Karunaratne charged down the pitch but mistimed her drive horribly, spooning a straightforward return catch to Rana and departing for 4 off 16 balls. She had earlier been involved in a run-out too, compounding a forgettable outing. Rana then picked up her third wicket in the 22nd over by sending Nilakshi de Silva back. De Silva toe-ended a shot that lobbed gently back to Rana, who claimed it after a brief third umpire review confirmed the dismissal. Nilakshi managed 10 off 13 balls, and Rana, with figures of 3/31 from her full eight overs, firmly established herself as the day’s standout bowler.
With Sri Lanka reeling, it was the young debutant Nallapureddy Charani who further wrecked their innings. In the 26th over, Charani lured Kavisha Dilhari into a miscue. Dilhari tried to swipe across the line, only to slice a thin edge towards cover where Arundhati Reddy took a smart catch moving backwards. Dilhari’s innings ended at 25 off 26 balls. Just two overs later, Charani struck again by dismissing Piumi Badalge. Attempting an ambitious pull shot that wasn’t quite on, Badalge cramped herself for room and popped up a simple catch to Pratika Rawal at mid-on, falling for 2 off 7 balls. Charani completed her maiden ODI outing with superb figures of 2/26 in her allotted eight overs, a performance marked by discipline and flight.
Nallapureddy Charani made heads turn with her bowling exploits for Delhi Capitals. The left-arm spinner played 2 matches and captured 4 wickets, boasting an exceptional bowling average of 17.75, an economy of, with best figures of 2/28. Their impactful WPL campaigns paved the path for their selection in the Tri-series squad.
Deepti Sharma too contributed crucially with the ball, bagging 2/22 in her 5.1 overs, ensuring Sri Lanka never found any breathing space. In the end, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 147, a total that was never going to trouble the strong Indian batting lineup.
Chasing the target, India raced home comfortably within 30 overs. Pratika Rawal anchored the innings with a commanding, unbeaten 50 off 62 balls, earning herself the Player of the Match award. Smriti Mandhana chipped in with a brisk 43 off 46 balls, while Harleen Deol finished with an assured 48 not out from 71 deliveries as India secured a dominant win to kick off their campaign in style.
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