India Women (IND-W) are set to take on Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) in the fourth T20I of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, December 28. After a dominant performance in the previous matches, India Women are looking to secure their fourth consecutive victory in the series.
In the first three games, India Women displayed exceptional skill and coordination, easily chasing down targets set by Sri Lanka Women. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the Women in Blue have outplayed the Lankan Lionesses in all aspects of the game. Their strong batting lineup, including players like Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, has been instrumental in their success.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka Women, led by Chamari Athapaththu, have struggled to find their footing in the series. Their lack of unity and failed game plans have led to a disappointing performance so far. However, they will be looking to bounce back in the remaining matches and salvage some pride.
Pitch Report:
The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram has seen a dry wicket in the previous match, making it challenging for the batters to score freely. However, with dew coming into play in the second innings, the conditions became more favorable for batting. Captains winning the toss will likely opt to field first and take advantage of the conditions.
Predicted Playing 11s:
India Women:
– Smriti Mandhana
– Shafali Verma
– Jemimah Rodrigues
– Harmanpreet Kaur
– Deepti Sharma
– Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
– Amanjot Kaur
– Renuka Singh Thakur
– Vaishnavi Sharma
– Shree Charani
– Kranti Goud
Sri Lanka Women:
– Chamari Athapaththu (C)
– Vishmi Gunaratne
– Hasini Perera
– Harshita Samarawickrama
– Kavisha Dilshari
– Nilakshi Silva
– Kaushani Nuthyangana (WK)
– Kavya Kavindi
– Malki Madara
– Inoka Ranaweera
– Shashini Gimhani
Probable Best Performers:
Smriti Mandhana, despite a couple of low scores in the previous matches, remains a key player for India Women. The talented batter will be looking to bounce back and contribute significantly to her team’s success.
Renuka Singh Thakur, who put up a stellar performance in her last match with four wickets, will be a player to watch out for in the upcoming game. Her bowling prowess will be crucial for India Women in restricting the Sri Lankan batters.
Overall Prediction:
Considering the current form and performance of both teams, it is likely that the team bowling first will have the upper hand in the match. With India Women in high spirits and Sri Lanka Women looking to redeem themselves, the fourth T20I promises to be an exciting and competitive encounter for both sides.
Key Factors to Watch:
1. Pressure on Sri Lanka Women: With India Women holding a 3-0 lead in the series, the pressure is on Sri Lanka Women to deliver a strong performance in the fourth T20I. They will be eager to show their resilience and fight back against the dominant Indian side. Players like Chamari Athapaththu, known for her explosive batting, will be crucial in leading the charge for Sri Lanka Women.
2. India Women’s Bowling Depth: While India Women’s batting lineup has been in fine form, their bowling attack has also been impressive. Players like Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma have been consistent wicket-takers, putting pressure on the opposition. Their ability to pick up early wickets and maintain control in the middle overs will be key in stifling Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
3. Shafali Verma’s Impact: Young sensation Shafali Verma has been a standout performer for India Women in the series, showcasing her aggressive approach and fearless stroke play. Her ability to provide quick starts at the top of the order has given India an advantage in the powerplay overs. Sri Lanka Women will need to find a way to contain Verma’s attacking instincts to avoid early setbacks.
4. Fielding and Fitness: In T20 cricket, fielding and fitness play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. Both teams will need to maintain high standards in the field, take sharp catches, and minimize misfields to gain an edge. Fitness levels will also be tested in the humid conditions of Thiruvananthapuram, with teams needing to stay sharp throughout the match.
5. Captaincy Battle: The strategic decisions made by captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Chamari Athapaththu will be under scrutiny in the fourth T20I. Captains play a vital role in setting the tone for their teams, making bold decisions in crucial moments, and motivating their players. The captain who can lead from the front and make the right calls under pressure is likely to guide their team to victory.
In conclusion, the fourth T20I between India Women and Sri Lanka Women promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams aiming for a positive result. While India Women hold the upper hand in the series, Sri Lanka Women will be determined to put up a fight and showcase their skills. Fans can expect a competitive match filled with exciting moments, exceptional performances, and intense competition as these two teams battle it out on the field.
