India head into the second T20I in Visakhapatnam as clear favourites after a commanding opening win, one that once again highlighted the gulf between the two sides. Clinical with both bat and ball, the hosts cruised through the chase with ease, but a sloppy fielding display, five dropped catches, three of them regulation, remains the only blemish on an otherwise dominant performance.
Despite the loss, Sri Lanka will draw encouragement from familiar territory: whenever they have beaten India in recent years, Chamari Athapaththu has been at the heart of it. The captain’s match-defining knocks of 61 and 80 account for Sri Lanka’s two wins over India in their last ten T20Is, and once again, the burden rests squarely on her shoulders. However, if Sri Lanka are to seriously challenge, they will need greater intent and depth from Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Hasini Perera, all of whom struggled to rotate strike or bat deep in the series opener.
Athapaththu herself admitted that 121 was well below par, conceding that Sri Lanka played overly defensive cricket after being sent in on a surface that demanded early momentum before dew set in. India’s bowlers exploited that hesitation expertly, squeezing through the middle overs and ensuring there was no late acceleration. In contrast, India’s chase was brisk and assured, with Jemimah Rodrigues’ fluent half-century sealing victory with more than five overs to spare.
With similar conditions expected in Visakhapatnam before the series shifts to Thiruvananthapuram, India will once again start as favourites. Their balance, three seamers, three spinners, and a deep batting lineup, continues to overwhelm Sri Lanka, provided they sharpen their work in the field.
In the Spotlight: Vaishnavi Sharma & Chamari Athapaththu
India’s newest debutant, Vaishnavi Sharma, quietly impressed despite finishing wicketless. Trusted with middle-over responsibility in her first international outing, the 20-year-old showcased control and maturity, conceding just 16 runs across four overs. She was unlucky not to claim at least two wickets, denied by fielding errors, but India will view her composure as a significant positive as they build towards the T20 World Cup next year.
For Sri Lanka, everything still revolves around Athapaththu. Since 2024, she has amassed 822 runs at a strike rate of 125.11, the highest among Sri Lanka batters, underlining both her consistency and attacking role. A substantial innings from her is not just desirable but essential if Sri Lanka are to level the series.
Team News
India are expected to stick with their winning combination, continuing with a spin-heavy attack supported by disciplined seamers.
India (probable):
Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Vaishnavi Sharma, N Shree Charani
Sri Lanka may also resist the urge to tinker despite Shashini Gimhani’s expensive spell in the opener.
Sri Lanka (probable):
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (WK), Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi, Shashini Gimhani
Pitch & Conditions
Visakhapatnam is expected to mirror the first T20I conditions, a surface offering grip early before flattening out, with dew likely to influence the second innings. While not a batting paradise, the pitch provides value for shots, making chasing the preferred option once again.
Key Numbers:
- India have won 21 of 26 completed T20Is against Sri Lanka.
- Deepti Sharma is just two wickets away from 150 T20I wickets.
- Sri Lanka have not beaten India in India in T20Is since 2014.
With momentum firmly on their side, India will look to tighten their grip on the series, while Sri Lanka search for urgency, intent, and a captain’s innings that could finally tilt the contest their way.
