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Nilakshi's Late Blitz Stuns India As Sri Lanka Pull Off Historic Chase In 4th ODI

Kaushik Kashyap

SL-W beat IND-W by 3 wickets. [Source - Prasanrod/x.com]SL-W beat IND-W by 3 wickets. [Source - Prasanrod/x.com]

On the back of a disciplined bowling performance and a calculative chase, Sri Lanka Women outclassed India Women by 3 wickets in the Fourth ODI of the ongoing Tri-Series in Colombo, Sri Lanka. With two back to back wins, the Lankans now stand strong in the race for a spot in the final of the Tri Series next Sunday..

Here, we take a look at how the fourth match of the Tri Series between Sri Lanka Women and India Women panned out at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday, May 4th.

Richa Ghosh Show Propels India To a Formidable Total

After being asked to bat first, India Women managed to post a formidable 275-run total in their 50 overs. The Women in Blue started the proceedings steadily, thanks to a solid start from Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana, as they managed 54 for the loss of 1 wicket at the end of the powerplay. Post powerplay, Sri Lankan bowlers struck at regular intervals, preventing India from building any big partnerships on what looked like a tricky two-paced pitch to bat on.

With the slog overs coming closer, Richa Ghosh took the matter in her hands and launched a counter-attack, scoring a quick half-century. However, the hosts managed to remove Richa at a crucial time, and India lost momentum, eventually falling short of a possible 300-plus total. Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, each claiming three wickets while maintaining impressive economies of under 4.5 runs per over.

Madavi Sets the Stage, Nilakshi Steals the Show in Tremendous Lankan Win

Chasing 276, Sri Lanka got off to a good start with the top four batters ensuring stability and denying India early breakthroughs. Harshitha Madavi, at three, continued her good form with another half-century, looking solid for a big innings with Chamari Athapaththu at the other end. Although Indian bowlers kept things tight, they were desperate for wickets and finally delivered, dismissing both Madavi and Athapaththu to leave Sri Lanka four down with 124 still needed.


Just then when the Indians were about to take control, Nilakshi de Silva turned the game around with a stunning counterattack, well accompanied by Kavisha Dilhari. She smashed a blistering 50 off just 28 balls, taking on the Indian bowlers, particularly scoring 20 off an over against Arundhati Reddy. India eventually removed her later, but the damage was done and Sri Lanka registered a famous win by 3 wickets, completing their second-highest successful run chase in ODI history.