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Harmanpreet Leads from the Front as India Women Seal 5–0 Clean Sweep Over Sri Lanka

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India Women capped off a dominant tour with another composed performance, defeating Sri Lanka Women by 15 runs in the fifth and final T20I to complete a 5–0 clean sweep of the series. The result underlined India’s superiority throughout the tour, as they consistently controlled key phases of play and delivered under pressure.

Batting first, India Women posted an imposing 175 for 7 from their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led from the front with a commanding 68 off 43 balls. After early setbacks that saw Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini and Harleen Deol depart inside the powerplay, India required stability — and Harmanpreet provided exactly that.

The skipper rotated the strike efficiently before accelerating with authority, striking nine boundaries and a six to maintain momentum. Support came in patches, with Amanjot Kaur contributing a useful 21, but it was the late surge that lifted India to a formidable total. Arundhati Reddy produced a stunning cameo, remaining unbeaten on 27 from just 11 deliveries, her clean striking in the death overs decisively shifting momentum in India’s favour.

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Kavisha Dilhari and Chamari Athapaththu were the standouts, claiming two wickets apiece, but the attack struggled to contain India in the closing stages.

Chasing 176, Sri Lanka Women responded with intent and determination. Hasini Perera starred at the top of the order with a fluent 65 off 42 balls, while Imesha Dulani compiled a composed 50, keeping the chase alive with a crucial partnership that threatened to tilt the contest.

India, however, showcased their experience and composure. Timely breakthroughs in the middle overs stalled Sri Lanka’s momentum, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani all making important contributions with the ball. Sharp fielding — highlighted by a crucial run-out — further tightened India’s grip on the match.

Despite a late push from Rashmika Sewwandi, Sri Lanka finished on 160 for 7, falling 15 runs short of the target.

The victory sealed a comprehensive 5–0 series whitewash for India Women, reflecting their consistency, squad depth, and tactical clarity throughout the series. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and match-winning performance in the final game perfectly encapsulated India’s dominance as they closed the tour on a resounding high.

Brief Scores

India Women 175/7 in 20 overs

Harmanpreet Kaur 68 (43), Arundhati Reddy 27* (11)

Kavisha Dilhari 2/11, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21

Sri Lanka Women 160/7 in 20 overs

Hasini Perera 65 (42), Imesha Dulani 50 (39)

Deepti Sharma 1/28, Sneh Rana 1/3

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Team Green Clinch Women’s NSL T20 Title with Commanding Final Victory

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Team Green were crowned champions of the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament after producing a dominant six-wicket victory over Team Blue in the final played at the P. Sara Oval on Saturday.

The championship triumph was built on a disciplined and clinical bowling performance, as Team Green dismissed Team Blue for a modest total of 95 in 18.1 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe led the attack with an outstanding four-wicket haul, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs and preventing any meaningful recovery. She received strong support from Malsha Shehani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani, and Udeshika Prabodani, as Team Blue struggled to establish partnerships.

Team Blue found resistance through Chamari Athapaththu, who played a determined innings of 51 from 41 deliveries. Her knock helped stabilise the innings after early setbacks, but regular wickets at the other end stalled momentum. Once Athapaththu was dismissed, the remainder of the batting lineup was unable to provide support, leading to a rapid collapse.

In response, Team Green approached the chase with calm assurance. Despite losing a few early wickets, they remained firmly in control throughout the pursuit of the modest target. Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 36, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Oshadi Ranasinghe completed a memorable all-round performance by contributing an unbeaten 16, ensuring there were no late complications.

Team Green reached the target at 98 for 4 in 18.1 overs, sealing the title with 11 balls to spare. Team Blue’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure, but the total proved insufficient to trouble a well-organised batting unit.

The victory capped a successful campaign for Team Green, underlining their consistency and balance throughout the tournament, while Oshadi Ranasinghe’s all-round brilliance stood out on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores

Team Blue – 95 all out in 18.1 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 51; Oshadi Ranasinghe 4/17, Udeshika Prabodani 1/17

Team Green – 98/4 in 18.1 overs
Nilakshika Silva 36*, Oshadi Ranasinghe 16*; Devmi Vihanga 1/22

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Milan, Dunith Likely to Return for ODIs as Sri Lanka Prepare for England Series

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England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

All-rounders Milan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage are set to make their return to Sri Lanka’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin in the coming days.

Sri Lanka selectors have opted for a well-balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent as the hosts prepare for a demanding home series against a strong England side.

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the ODI team as captain, with his role in the middle order expected to be pivotal. Asalanka’s ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required will be key against England’s varied bowling attack.

At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are expected to open the batting. Nissanka’s consistency and sound technique remain central to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, while Mishara will be eager to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Their partnership will be crucial in providing solid foundations.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis adds experience and aggression to the middle order, offering Sri Lanka flexibility in both tempo and shot selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage further strengthen the batting unit, with both players capable of anchoring the innings or playing decisive roles when momentum is needed.

The squad features strong all-round depth, with Kamindu Mendis offering versatility with both bat and ball. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga significantly enhances Sri Lanka’s all-round options, with his leg-spin expected to play a decisive role on home pitches. Dunith Wellalage’s inclusion adds another spin-bowling all-rounder capable of controlling the middle overs.

Milan Rathnayake’s likely return boosts the seam-bowling all-round resources, while the pace attack will be led by Asitha Fernando, supported by Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. The spin department is further reinforced by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both expected to be influential under Sri Lankan conditions.

The first ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (22) at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.

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Sandeepani’s Star Turn Propels Team Blues to Convincing Victory

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Sathya Sandeepani produced an outstanding all-round performance as Team Blues registered a commanding 70-run victory over Team Red in the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament at the Thurstan College Ground yesterday.

Asked to bat first, Team Blues suffered an early setback, slipping to 20 for 3 within the first three overs. Sandeepani then steadied the innings with a composed and unbeaten knock of 50 from 44 deliveries, striking five boundaries and a six. Her calm presence at the crease proved crucial in rebuilding the innings.

Sandeepani received valuable support from Ama Kanchana, who scored 41, and Shayani Senarathna, who contributed 25, as Team Blues recovered to post a competitive total of 134 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Extras added a further seven runs, pushing the target beyond Team Red’s reach.

For Team Red, Chamodi Prabodha Munasinghe was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs. Pramudhi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune picked up one wicket each but were unable to prevent Team Blues from setting a challenging total.

In reply, Team Red’s chase never gained momentum. Dewmi Vihanga led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 11, while Sandeepani continued her impressive outing by returning 2 for 8. Nethmi Sanjana’s four-wicket haul completed the rout as Team Red were bowled out for just 64 runs.

In the day’s other fixture, Team Greys secured a convincing 35-run victory over Team Green. Batting first, Team Greys posted 132 for 6, with Vishmi Gunarathne anchoring the innings with a fluent 56 and Imesha Dulani adding a valuable 40.

The bowling effort was shared effectively, with Sugandika Kumari and Nimasha Madushani claiming two wickets apiece to apply pressure during the chase.

Team Green struggled in response and were dismissed for 97 in 19.4 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe top-scored with 21, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Inoshi Fernando starred with the ball, taking 4 for 14, while Sanduni Nisansala provided excellent support with three wickets.

The results further highlighted the competitive nature of the Women’s National Super League T20, with several players delivering match-defining performances across both fixtures.

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