Did Harmanpreet Choose to Bowl First in the 2nd T20I Against Sri Lanka?
Synopsis
In a thrilling second T20I match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur chose to bowl first after winning the toss against Sri Lanka. With Sneh Rana stepping in for the unwell Deepti Sharma, the teams are set for an exciting showdown. Can India maintain their winning momentum in this high-stakes series?
Key Takeaways
Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and chose to bowl.
Sneh Rana comes in for Deepti Sharma, who is sick.
India leads the series 1-0 after winning the first T20I.
Jemimah Rodrigues scored an impressive 69 in the last match.
Sri Lanka is unchanged, maintaining confidence in their squad.
Visakhapatnam, Dec 23 (NationPress) The captain of India, Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and decided to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the five-match series at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Tuesday.
India made a single change in their playing XI from the previous match, bringing Sneh Rana in for the World No. 1 ODI bowler, Deepti Sharma, who is suffering from illness and fever. Sri Lanka retained the same playing XI that participated in the first match of the series.
Despite winning the toss for the second time in succession, Harmanpreet Kaur expressed that it was a new experience for her as she isn’t used to such luck, but she is enjoying it. "Deepti is unwell, and Sneh Rana returns to the squad. We played well, and our approach remains unchanged," stated the Indian captain.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, expressed her confidence in her team. "We’re sticking with the same XI, I’m feeling optimistic about my team. It's essential to play with confidence. In the previous game, we played defensively, and we need to focus on our strengths," she added.
Having won the first T20I at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, India leads the five-match bilateral series 1-0. The Indian bowlers showcased an excellent performance, restricting Sri Lanka to a score of 121/8. The host team successfully chased down this modest target, losing only two wickets, with Jemimah Rodrigues contributing an unbeaten 69.
Playing XIs:
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, N Shree Charani
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Kawya Kavindi, Shashini Gimhani
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the significance of this match in the context of women's cricket. The Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, is in great form, and their strategic decisions reflect a solid understanding of their team's strengths. Sri Lanka's confidence, particularly under Chamari Athapaththu's captaincy, adds an interesting dynamic to this series. The focus remains on the game and the sportsmanship displayed by both teams, showcasing the growing popularity of women's cricket in India and globally.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who replaced Deepti Sharma in the Indian squad?
Sneh Rana replaced Deepti Sharma, who was unwell with a fever.
What was the outcome of the first T20I match?
India won the first T20I match against Sri Lanka, leading the series 1-0.
Where is the second T20I being held?
The second T20I is being held at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
What is the current series score between India and Sri Lanka?
India currently leads the five-match bilateral series 1-0.
Who is the captain of the Sri Lankan team?
Chamari Athapaththu is the captain of the Sri Lankan team.
