INDW vs SLW: A perfect score line, but fineprint matters

Thiruvananthapuram: India’s 5–0 sweep of Sri Lanka in the T20I series read like a statement of dominance, but the margins within that scoreline told a more layered story. The hosts were clearly superior for most of the contest, yet the final two games offered reminders that this Indian side, for all its progress, remains a work in refinement.At the heart of India’s authority was an opening partnership that continues to redefine the tone of women’s T20 cricket. Sri Lanka coach Rumesh Ratnanayake summed it up memorably, describing Smriti Mandhana as “the closest thing to David Gower” for her timing and grace. The series also marked a significant personal milestone for Mandhana, who became only the fourth Indian woman to cross 10,000 international runs across formats — a testament to her consistency and longevity at the top level.

Her partner, Shafali Verma, channels Virender Sehwag: fearless and ultra-aggressive. Together, they dominate the powerplay, unsettle bowlers early, and provide India with a platform few teams can match.Beyond the top order, India’s depth was on full display. Runs came from across the lineup, reflecting a unit no longer reliant on isolated brilliance. Even Arundhati Reddy and Amanjot Kaur showed they can use the long handle, as the final match underlined.

With the ball, spinners and seamers worked in sync, striking early and strangling Sri Lanka through the middle overs.The tone shifted slightly in the last two matches. Sri Lanka pushed harder, probing India’s weaknesses and capitalising on uncharacteristic lapses in the field. Dropped catches at key moments offered second chances, prolonging contests India might otherwise have closed out clinically. Fielding — an area India have repeatedly targeted for improvement — remains a concern, one likely to be tested further against stronger opposition.All-rounder Deepti Sharma was candid. “We were tested in the final two T20s,” she admitted, acknowledging the missed chances. Still, she stressed perspective over panic. With the T20 World Cup in England six months away, India are resisting long-term fixation. “We will take one match and one series at a time. We’re confident,” she said, striking a measured balance between satisfaction and caution.One of the most encouraging takeaways was the emergence of young left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma from the U-19 ranks.

Trusted in high-pressure phases, she showed composure beyond her years, particularly in the powerplay. Her ability to attack the stumps added a fresh dimension to India’s plans. “She is so young and shows no pressure whatsoever,” Deepti noted, underlining the leadership’s faith in her.Vaishnavi’s rise, alongside seamless transitions from bench to XI, speaks volumes about India’s evolving T20 structure. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together, with a blend of experience , youth, flexibility, and tactical clarity.