IND-W vs SL-W : Vaishnavi Sharma removes Nilakshika Silva to bags her maiden international wicket during 2nd T20I

Table of Contents

Vaishnavi Sharma finally had her moment to cherish on the international stage during the second T20I against Sri Lanka Women. The young Indian off-spinner broke through at a crucial phase, ending a long wait for her first wicket. It was a dismissal that carried both relief and redemption after earlier heartbreak during first game. Smiles all around as teammates rushed in to celebrate a milestone wicket.

The breakthrough came in the 17th over when Vaishnavi induced a false sweep from Nilakshika Silva, a dismissal that had been threatening to arrive much earlier. Bowling a length delivery drifting into leg stump, Vaishnavi tempted Nilakshika into playing the sweep, but the batter could only manage a top edge. Positioned perfectly at short fine leg, Shree Charani made no mistake this time, completing a straightforward catch to seal the moment.

The significance of the wicket went beyond the scorecard, especially after Charani had dropped a sitter in the same position in the previous game, denying Vaishnavi what should have been her maiden scalp. That missed chance lingered, but this time there was no escape. As the catch was taken, Vaishnavi’s face lit up instantly, followed by a warm hug from Sneh Rana, capturing the emotion of the occasion. Nilakshika departed for 2 off 3 balls, but the wicket symbolized persistence rewarded. Vaishnavi finished with figures 2/32, a modest spell statistically, yet a career-defining one emotionally. It was a reminder that for young bowlers, confidence often begins with that first breakthrough and Vaishnavi finally has hers.

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Here’s why Deepti Sharma is not playing today’s match

India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I at Visakhapatnam, sealing the chase with a massive 49 balls to spare and moving 2–0 ahead in the five-match series. After opting to field, India’s bowlers set the tone early, reducing Sri Lanka to 2/1 inside the first over and never allowing them to recover fully.

Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama offered resistance with brisk knocks of 31 and 33 respectively, but regular wickets kept Sri Lanka in check. Rana was exceptional through the middle overs, conceding just 11 runs in four overs, while Shree Charani chipped in with two key wickets. Vaishnavi enjoyed a memorable outing, picking up her maiden international wicket and finishing with two scalps. Restrained bowling and sharp fielding ensured Sri Lanka limped to 128/9, a total well below par on a good batting surface.

In reply, India’s chase was headlined by a breathtaking assault from Shafali Verma, who dismantled the Sri Lankan attack with an unbeaten 69 off just 34 balls, striking at over 200. Even after Smriti Mandhana fell early, Shafali and Jemimah Rodrigues stitched together a rapid partnership that effectively ended the contest inside the powerplay. Jemimah’s 26 off 15 provided ideal support, while Harmanpreet Kaur ensured there were no late hiccups before she got departed. India raced to the target in just 11.5 overs, underlining their dominance in all departments and reinforcing their authority in the series with a ruthless, one-sided victory.

Also READ: IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana breaks Suzie Bates’ record in T20Is

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.