In a performance that will be etched in the annals of Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket history, the hosts pulled off a breathtaking three-wicket victory over India, chasing down a formidable target of 276 with five balls to spare at the R Premadasa Stadium. This victory not only marked their second win on the trot in the ongoing Tri-Nation ODI Series but also elevated the run chase to the second highest in their Women’s ODI history.
The Colombo crowd witnessed a true exhibition of grit, depth, and fearless cricket as Sri Lanka broke their seven-year drought against India in ODIs—their first such win since 2018. With this triumph, Sri Lanka’s 278/7 chase now stands only behind their record-breaking 305/4 effort against South Africa in 2024 among the highest successful run chases in their ODI history.
Top 5 Successful Run Chases in Sri Lanka Women’s ODI History:
305/4 vs South Africa – 2024
278/7 vs India – 2025
257/7 vs India – 2018
244/9 vs England – 2013
237/5 vs South Africa – 2025
Following the dramatic win, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu spoke proudly of her team’s transformation.
On Sri Lanka’s brand of cricket, she shared, “Actually, we are playing positive cricket in the last game and today. I am happy as a captain; youngsters are playing their best cricket. We are ready to bat first too. We will try to score 250+ when we are put in to bat.”
Athapaththu, who had underwhelmed in the earlier matches with scores of 7 and 6, contributed a gritty 23 off 33 balls and turned the tide with the ball by scalping three Indian wickets after going wicketless in the first two outings. Reflecting on her own performance, she admitted the need to innovate and lead by example.
On personal form and team responsibility, “Last two games, I have not been in my best form, so we thought of trying something differently ahead of the World Cup. As a senior player, I need to lead from the front.”
Athapaththu, known more for her batting exploits over the years, also commented on her growing role with the ball.
On her bowling strategy, “I have been playing cricket for 15 years but didn’t bowl a lot. But I am bowling a lot these days. I’m just trying to keep it simple and, on the stumps, that’s my mantra.”
India had earlier posted a competitive total of 275/9 in their 50 overs, thanks to a well-paced 58 from wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh and steady contributions across the middle order. The innings had started positively, with openers Smriti Mandhana—playing her 100th ODI—and Pratika Rawal stitching a 51-run opening stand. Mandhana was run out for 25 in a moment of miscommunication that handed Sri Lanka their first breakthrough in the 10th over. Rawal (35) fell shortly after, while Harleen Deol (29) and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (30) attempted a middle-overs rebuild.
Dewmi Vihanga’s dismissal of Deol broke their momentum, and the Sri Lankan bowlers capitalized effectively. Chamari Athapaththu (3/43) and Sugandika Kumari (3/44) shared six wickets between them in economical spells. Inoka Ranaweera and Dewmi Vihanga chipped in with a wicket each to limit India’s final flourish. Ghosh’s brisk 48-ball knock and handy cameos from Jemimah Rodrigues (37), Deepti Sharma (24), and Kashvee Gautam (17) lifted India to 275.
Sri Lanka’s run chase began with intent as Vishmi Gunaratne and Hasini Perera added 30 for the opening stand. Although Perera was run out early, the innings was anchored by a pivotal 78-run partnership between Gunaratne (33) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (53), which took them beyond 120 and laid the foundation for the chase.
As the innings progressed, India continued to chip away with wickets. Arundhati Reddy struck crucial blows, while Sneh Rana emerged as the standout Indian bowler with figures of 3/45. But Sri Lanka’s middle order stood strong. Nilakshika Silva rose to the occasion with a blistering 56 off just 33 balls, adding 57 runs with Kavisha Dilhari (35 off 32) for the fifth wicket, which tilted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Even with the game hanging in the balance in the final overs, it was a vital, unbroken 40-run stand between Anushka Sanjeewani (23* off 18) and Sugandika Kumari (19* off 20) that saw the hosts over the line in thrilling fashion.
With this win, Sri Lanka not only climbed the standings in the Tri-Nation series but also gathered crucial momentum heading into their final league clash against South Africa on Friday, May 9. A victory there would seal their spot in the final, capping a remarkable turnaround driven by belief, resilience, and a brand of cricket that’s finally bearing fruit.
(Quotes sourced from the ICC)
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