India Women Beat Sri Lanka Women in 5th T20I; 17-Year-Old Gunalan Kamalini Makes Debut
The Indian Women’s cricket team wrapped up their T20I series against Sri Lanka Women with a convincing victory in the 5th and final T20 International held in Thiruvananthapuram. The match also marked a memorable milestone for 17-year-old Gunalan Kamalini, who made her senior India debut, while Harleen Deol made a notable return to the playing XI.
Sri Lanka Win Toss and Bowl First
Sri Lanka Women, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first in the final match of the series. The decision aimed to defend a target under lights, but it was India’s batting performance that set the tone for a comprehensive win.
The Indian batting lineup delivered a strong performance, putting up a competitive total on the board that proved too challenging for the visiting team to chase down.
India’s Batting Performance
India Women’s batters displayed depth and composure throughout their innings. Senior players made valuable contributions, providing stability and momentum at crucial stages of the innings.
The innings featured strategic partnerships, with batters rotating the strike and accelerating effectively during the death overs, allowing India to post a defendable total. The balance between experienced campaigners and young talent provided a well-rounded batting effort.
Debut for 17-Year-Old Gunalan Kamalini
One of the standout stories from the match was the international debut of 17-year-old Gunalan Kamalini. The young talent was selected by the team management as part of India’s vision of nurturing future stars and giving them exposure on the international stage.
Kamalini’s inclusion added fresh excitement, and she impressed with her calm presence under pressure. Her selection was widely welcomed by fans and pundits, many of whom had followed her rise through India’s domestic and age-group cricket circuits.
Harleen Deol Returns to the XI
Harleen Deol, a familiar face in India’s T20 setup, made her return to the playing XI after being rested or unavailable in recent matches. Her reintegration into the lineup boosted India’s experience and fielding strength. Known for her athleticism and hitting ability, Harleen contributed both with the bat and in the field.
India’s Bowling and Fielding
India’s bowling unit complemented the total with disciplined lines and lengths, making Sri Lankan batters work hard for runs. The spin department was effective in applying pressure in the middle overs, while the pace bowlers struck at key moments to break partnerships.
Fielding was sharp as well, with direct hits and tight ground fielding helping to maintain pressure on Sri Lanka throughout their chase.
Sri Lanka’s Response
Sri Lanka Women showed resilience in their chase but lacked the necessary partnerships and penetration against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite efforts from key batters, Sri Lanka fell short of the target.
The team’s young players gained valuable experience, with constructive takeaways from playing in challenging conditions and against a strong bowling attack.
Match Outcome and Series Summary
India Women’s victory in the 5th T20I allowed them to finish the series on a positive note. The win underscored India’s strength in both batting and bowling departments, while also showcasing emerging talent through strategic selections and opportunities for young players.
The series enabled India Women to test combinations in different roles, blending experience with youth — a key component of their strategy looking ahead to future international engagements.
Looking Ahead
With the T20I series concluded, India Women will now prepare for upcoming fixtures in their international calendar, carrying forward confidence from strong performances and the integration of promising talent.
The impressive debut of Gunalan Kamalini and the return of Harleen Deol will likely add depth to India’s options in limited-overs cricket, providing selectors with confidence to experiment and build a versatile unit.
Conclusion
India Women’s comprehensive win in the 5th T20I against Sri Lanka Women highlighted the team’s balance of experience and youthful energy. The series finale not only delivered a convincing result but also offered cricket fans exciting moments — including Kamalini’s debut and Harleen Deol’s impactful return. As the team now looks ahead, the blend of tested performers and emerging stars bodes well for their ambitions on the global stage.