India have already sealed the series 3-0, thanks to a commanding eight-wicket win to start the Trivandrum leg of the T20I series. But despite the series being wrapped up, India’s mission is far from complete. It’s not just about chasing a 5-0 whitewash—though given the stark difference in strength between the two teams, that seems like a likely outcome.
The bigger task now is ensuring that every player in the squad gets a chance to showcase their skills. The focus shifts to testing the bench strength. Among the players still waiting for their moment are Harleen Deol and 17-year-old G Kamalini.
If given the opportunity, both have a golden chance to make their mark and finish the year on a high. With the Sri Lankan bowlers struggling for form, this could be the perfect window for the duo to get some valuable runs under their belt.
WILL KAMALINI GET A CHANCE?
Vaishnavi Sharma made her India debut in the very first game in Vizag, but her U19 teammate G Kamalini is still waiting for her chance to wear the national colours. Despite sitting out for three games, this could be the perfect opportunity for Kamalini to get her debut, with the series already sealed. But the question remains: if she does play, who makes way?
The likely candidate is Richa Ghosh, who has faced just one ball in the entire series. But would India really drop her? While Richa’s lack of opportunities so far raises questions, India would ideally want her to feature, especially with the World Cup looming. If Richa plays, it opens up the chance for Kamalini to slot in as a replacement for Shafali Verma.
Kamalini, having experience as an opener, could be the perfect backup for Shafali in T20Is, should she perform well. This would give India a solid option for the future, allowing them to test the waters with their bench strength while also strengthening their squad depth.
CAN AMANJOT, ARUNDHATI STEP UP?
While India have been near-perfect in most departments, there are a couple of players who will be eager to elevate their game—Arundhati Reddy and Amanjot Kaur. Both have bowled seven overs each but are yet to claim a wicket, which might be a concern despite India’s dominance overall.
It’s not that the pacers have been ineffective; Renuka Singh, for instance, claimed four wickets in the previous game.
Arundhati, having been dropped for the last match in favor of Renuka, could make a return after some rest, with Kranti Goud, who has featured in all three games so far, possibly being rested.
Another option could be giving Harleen Deol a chance to contribute, adding fresh energy to the squad. This could help India test out different combinations and ensure all players are match-ready.
NEED FOR MORE FIREPOWER
As far as Sri Lanka’s performance is concerned, it’s been nothing short of underwhelming. Captain Chamari Athapaththu hasn’t sugar-coated the reality, candidly admitting that her team lacks the firepower to compete consistently at the highest level in T20 cricket. Her words have rung true over the course of the first three T20Is.
The third match, in particular, was a complete disaster as the team couldn’t even manage to score at more than a run per ball, despite playing out their full 20 overs.
Given their lackluster showings so far, the prospects of Sri Lanka claiming their first victory in this series look increasingly slim. With the odds heavily stacked against them, it seems like an uphill battle. But then again, cricket is notoriously unpredictable.
Sri Lanka will be hoping to dig deep and put together a much stronger, more determined performance in their last two games of the year, striving to end on a high note.
4th T20I, IND-W vs SL-W: Trivandrum PITCH AND CONDITIONS
The pitch in Trivandrum during the third T20I was perfect for batting, offering plenty of runs. But as we saw with Deepti Sharma, Kavisha Dilhari, and Renuka Singh, the bowlers can still make an impact. If India bats first, they could easily push for a score around 180 or more.
The temperature will be around 26°C, but with humidity in the 70s, it’ll be a challenge for the players to stay comfortable.
4th T20I, IND-W vs SL-W: HEAD TO HEAD
India have long asserted their dominance over Sri Lanka in T20Is. Out of 29 encounters, the Men in Blue have triumphed 23 times, while Sri Lanka have secured just five wins, with one match ending in a no-result.
The disparity is even greater on home soil, where India have emerged victorious in seven of nine clashes. Yet, Sri Lanka’s recent highlight came last year, when they pulled off a stunning upset to lift the Asia Cup with a memorable final win over the favourites.
4th T20I, IND-W vs SL-W: Predicted XI
India: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues/Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh/G Kamalini (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud/Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nimesha Madushani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Imesha Dulani, Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk), Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara
– Ends
