India crush Sri Lanka in third WT20I to clinch series

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Renuka Singh's four-wicket haul, followed by Shafali Verma's unbeaten half-century, propelled India to a thumping eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third WT20I of the five-match home series here at the Greenfield International Stadium on Friday.

The victory helped the hosts secure an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series, with the penultimate fixture scheduled to be played at the same venue on Sunday.

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur's decision to field first proved beneficial as her team's bowling unit curtailed Sri Lanka to a modest total of 112/7 in 20 overs.

Middle-order batter Imesha Dulani remained the top-scorer for the visitors with a cautious 27 off 32 deliveries, followed by opening batter Hasini Perera, who made a brisk 18-ball 25 up the order.

Besides them, Kavisha Dilhari (20) and wicketkeeper batter Kaushini Nuthyangana (19 not out) could amass double figures against a dominant Indian bowling attack, led by Renuka and Deepti Sharma.

Renuka was the pick of the bowlers for India, taking four wickets for just 21 runs in her four overs, while Deepti picked up three for 18 in her four.

For her economical four-wicket haul, Renuka was adjudged the Player of the Match.

In turn, India made light work of the 113-run target as they chased down the total for the loss of two wickets and 40 balls to spare.

Leading the way for them in the pursuit was opening batter Verma, who top-scored with an unbeaten 79 off 42 deliveries, studded with 11 fours and three sixes.

Her efforts were backed by captain Kaur, who made 21 not out from 18 deliveries. The duo also shared a match-winning 48-run partnership after top-order batters Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply.

Kavisha Dilhari remained the solitary wicket-taker for Sri Lanka, making two scalps for 18 runs in her three overs.