Visakhapatnam, Dec 21 (NationPress) Jemimah Rodrigues showcased her exceptional form from the Women's ODI World Cup by scoring an unbeaten 69 runs, guiding India to a convincing eight-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the inaugural match of the five-match women's T20I series held in Visakhapatnam.

After a commendable bowling display from the Indian team, which limited Sri Lanka to a modest total of 121/6 in 20 overs, Jemimah, who earlier contributed significantly to India's World Cup campaign, achieved her not out score off just 44 balls, propelling India to a total of 122/2 in 14.4 overs with a comfortable lead of 32 balls to spare at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium.

Rodrigues reached her half-century in just 34 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and forming two critical partnerships: a 54-run stand for the second wicket with Smriti Mandhana, who contributed a steady 25 runs off 25 balls after the early dismissal of Shafali Verma (9), and a 55-run partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who finished with 15 not out.

Jemimah executed her innings with a blend of patience and aggression, displaying remarkable footwork and skillful late cuts, encouraging her partners to elevate their game. Mandhana and Rodrigues steadied the innings after Verma's early exit, caught out off Kawya Kavindi's delivery.

Smriti, known for her tactical batting approach, became the first Indian woman to accumulate 4000 runs in women's T20I cricket, hitting four boundaries before being dismissed by Inoka Ranaweera.

With the captain providing solid support, India secured a comprehensive win, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. Earlier, the Indian bowlers' disciplined performance was pivotal, despite challenges posed by the dew on the field.

Winning the toss, skipper Harmanpreet opted to field, and the Indian bowlers effectively contained the Sri Lankan batting lineup, although the fielding was marred by several errors, including dropped catches and a misjudged six by Smriti Mandhana.

The Sri Lankan side faced difficulties adapting to the T20 format, losing their captain Chamari Athapaththu early for 15 runs as they managed only 31/1 during the Power-play. Athapaththu hit three fours before being bowled out by Kranti Gaud, marking her first Women's T20I wicket.

Despite debutant spinner Vaishavi Sharma not claiming a wicket, she restricted runs to just 16 in her four overs, as the Indian bowlers tied the Sri Lankan batters in knots. Deepti Sharma limited her runs to 10 in three overs, while N Shree Charani had a more expensive spell at 1-30.

For India, wickets were claimed by Kranti Gaud (1-23), Deepti Sharma (1-20), and N. Shree Charani (1-30).

Vishmi Gunaratne was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, scoring 39 runs off 43 balls before being run out following a sharp fielding effort by Gaud. She formed a 38-run partnership with Harshitha Samarawickrama, who contributed 21 runs, but the Sri Lankan batting order fell apart after their dismissal.

Although Hasini Perera (20 off 23) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) made starts, they failed to capitalize, as Sri Lanka struggled to reach three figures without significant contributions from the rest of the team.

The contrasting selection strategies of both teams were evident; India retained most of their players from their successful 50-over World Cup campaign, while Sri Lanka opted for a mix of youth as they prepare for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup in 2026.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka Women 121/6 in 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 39, Harshitha Samarawickrama 21; Kranti Gaud 1-23, Deepti Sharma 1-20, N. Shree Charani 1-30) lost to India Women 122/2 in 14.4 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 69 not out, Smriti Mandhana 25; Inoka Ranaweera 1-17) by eight wickets.