How Did Harmanpreet's 68 and Arundhati's Blitz Propel India to 175/7?
Synopsis
In a thrilling finale, India Women, led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's commanding 68 runs, posted a formidable 175/7 against Sri Lanka in the 5th T20I. The late fireworks from Arundhati Reddy added to the excitement, showcasing resilience and teamwork in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Key Takeaways
Harmanpreet Kaur 's leadership was pivotal in stabilizing the innings.
The partnership with Amanjot Kaur helped India recover from a precarious position.
Arundhati Reddy 's explosive finish boosted India's total significantly.
India scored 51 runs in the final four overs, showcasing a strong finish.
Sri Lanka missed opportunities with tactical decisions regarding their bowling changes.
Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 30 (NationPress) Captain Harmanpreet Kaur showcased her leadership with an impressive innings of 68 runs off 43 balls, as India Women managed to set a target of 175/7 against Sri Lanka in the concluding T20I match of the series at Greenfield International Stadium on Tuesday. With a late surge from Arundhati Reddy scoring 27 runs off just 11 balls, India turned their innings around.
Initially struggling at 77 for 5, Kaur formed a crucial partnership, adding 61 runs off 38 balls with Amanjot Kaur (scoring 21) to help stabilize the innings.
The Indian side faced early setbacks, with opener Shafali Varma being dismissed for just 1 run after three consecutive fifties. Gunalan Kamalini, debuting internationally, started strong with 12 runs but couldn’t capitalize further, while Harleen Deol managed 13 runs, contributing to a 22-run partnership for the second wicket.
India’s late flourish was significant, with the last four overs yielding 51 runs, a remarkable turnaround considering they seemed at risk of posting a low score. This surge came after Kavisha Dilhari delivered a tight four-run over, leading India to score 47 off the remaining three overs.
Kaur's innings was pivotal, maintaining momentum even as wickets fell around her, reminiscent of her style with the Mumbai Indians—bold and relentless. The partnership with Amanjot was key, allowing India to recover before the explosive finale.
As the innings approached its end, India stood at 142 for 7 in the 18th over, facing the possibility of a subpar total. However, Arundhati Reddy's quickfire 27 runs in 11 balls gave the necessary boost, lifting India to a commendable score. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu might reflect on her decisions, particularly regarding Dilhari, who shone with figures of 2/11 in her two overs.
India found it easier against the seamers, benefiting from eight overs of pace. While several players, including Shafali, Kamalini, and Deol, fell to ill-timed shots, Kaur’s presence ensured the innings remained competitive, culminating in a strong finish.
Brief scores:
India Women: 175/7 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 68, Arundhati Reddy 27 not out; Kavish Dilhari 2/11, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21) against Sri Lanka Women
Point of View
It's crucial to highlight the remarkable leadership demonstrated by Harmanpreet Kaur. Her performance not only guided the team to a competitive total but also showcased the importance of resilience and strategic partnerships in cricket. This match underscores the evolving landscape of women's cricket, where every game brings new stories of triumph and challenges.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score in the match?
India Women scored 175 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their innings.
Who were the standout players for India?
Harmanpreet Kaur scored 68 runs and Arundhati Reddy contributed a quick 27 runs.
Where was the match held?
The match took place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.
What was the partnership that helped stabilize India's innings?
Harmanpreet Kaur and Amanjot Kaur formed a crucial partnership, adding 61 runs for the sixth wicket.
Who bowled well for Sri Lanka?
Kavisha Dilhari was impressive with figures of 2 for 11 in her two overs.
