ICC Women's T20 World Cup: India outclass Sri Lanka to close in on semi-final spot

India's Women's team boosted their chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup with an 82-run win over Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana led the charge, each hitting half-centuries as India posted a strong total of 172-3 in their 20 overs.

Smriti Mandhana scored 50 from 38 balls, including four boundaries and a six, marking her 27th T20 international half-century. She shared a crucial 98-run partnership with Shafali Verma, who contributed 43 runs. Harmanpreet Kaur then took control, smashing an unbeaten 52 from just 27 balls, hitting eight boundaries and a six.

Kaur's powerful innings was especially encouraging for India, as she showed no signs of the neck injury she had picked up in their previous win against Pakistan.

In response, Sri Lanka struggled right from the start, losing three quick wickets to be reduced to 6-3 within three overs. Despite a brief recovery led by Kavisha Dilhari (21) and Anushka Sanjeewani (20), they were unable to keep up with the required run rate. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 90, with Ama Kanchana (19) being the only other player to reach double digits.

India's bowling attack was led by fast bowler Arundhati Reddy and leg-spinner Asha Sobhana, both of whom finished with impressive figures of 3-19 from their four overs.

With two wins from three games, India is now in a strong position to make the semi-finals, with only one group match remaining against six-time champions Australia. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, having lost all three of their matches, are out of the semi-final race.