Meta Description: Relive the nail-biting India vs Sri Lanka Women’s 4th ODI 2025, where Harshitha Samarawickrama and Anushka Sanjeewani powered Sri Lanka to a historic three-wicket victory.
Sri Lanka Script History With Record Chase Against India
In a pulsating clash at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka Women stunned India Women by three wickets in the 4th ODI of the 2025 Tri-Series, chasing down a target of 276 with five balls to spare. Half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama (53 off 61) and Nilakshika Silva (35 off 32), coupled with Anushka Sanjeewani’s composed 23* off 28, secured Sri Lanka’s first ODI victory over India in seven years . The win marked their second-highest successful chase in women’s ODIs, reigniting their campaign in the Tri-Series.
India’s Batting Fireworks: Ghosh, Rodrigues Shine
Opting to bat first after losing the toss, India posted 275/9 in 50 overs, fueled by aggressive knocks from Richa Ghosh (58 off 48) and Jemimah Rodrigues (37 off 46). Opener Smriti Mandhana (35 off 39) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (30 off 45) provided stability, but Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Sugandika Kumari (3/44) and Chamari Athapaththu (3/43), struck at regular intervals to limit India’s momentum .
Key Moments:
- Powerplay Dominance: India raced to 51/0 in 9.1 overs before Mandhana’s run-out triggered a mini-collapse .
- Richa Ghosh’s Blitz: The wicketkeeper-batter smashed five fours and three sixes, including a 92-meter hit off Kavisha Dilhari, propelling India past 250 .
- Late Surge: Deepti Sharma (17 off 11) and Sneh Rana (9* off 11) added crucial runs in the death overs .
Sri Lanka’s Gritty Chase: Partnerships Steal the Show
Chasing 276, Sri Lanka’s top order wobbled early as Arundhati Reddy (1/55) dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne (33 off 58). However, Harshitha Samarawickrama anchored the innings with a composed 53, forming critical partnerships with Kavisha Dilhari (56 off 33) and Nilakshika Silva .
Turning Points:
- Samarawickrama-Silva Stand: Their 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket shifted momentum, with Silva’s aggressive 35 off 32 keeping Sri Lanka on track .
- Anushka Sanjeewani’s Finishing Flair: The wicketkeeper-batter scored 23* under pressure, steering the chase alongside Sugandika Kumari (19* off 20) in the final overs .
- Controversial Dismissal: Chamari Athapaththu’s contentious caught-behind decision (23 off 33) off Sneh Rana sparked debate, as replays suggested no edge .
India’s Sneh Rana (3/45) and Shree Charani (1/32) fought valiantly, but Sri Lanka’s lower order held their nerve, needing 13 off the final two overs. Sanjeewani’s boundary off Rana in the 49th over sealed the historic win .
Player of the Match: Harshitha Samarawickrama
Samarawickrama’s 53 earned her Player of the Match honors. Her innings blended caution and aggression, featuring five boundaries and smart rotation of strike. “We knew India’s bowling was strong, but we backed ourselves to chase this down,” she said post-match .
India’s Bowling Struggles: Missed Opportunities
Despite Rana’s three-wicket haul, India’s fielding lapses and inconsistent death bowling cost them the game. Dropped catches, including a crucial let-off of Silva at 15, proved costly. Pacer Arundhati Reddy conceded 55 runs, while spinners Deepti Sharma and Charani lacked penetration in the middle overs .
Implications for the Tri-Series
This win lifted Sri Lanka to second place in the standings (4 points), while India remained top (4 points) but faced questions over their middle-order brittleness. Sri Lanka’s victory sets up a thrilling finale, with both teams eyeing a spot in the final against South Africa .
Conclusion: A Landmark Day for Sri Lankan Cricket
Sri Lanka’s thrilling chase underscored their growing resilience in women’s cricket. For India, the loss highlighted the need for sharper bowling at the death. As the Tri-Series intensifies, this match will be remembered for its dramatic finish and Sri Lanka’s defiance against a cricketing giant.
Final Score:
- India Women: 275/9 (50 overs)
- Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 (49.1 overs)
Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 3 wickets (5 balls remaining) .
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