IND-W versus SL-W [WATCH]: Vaishnavi Sharma removes Nilakshika Silva to take her maiden international wicket during 2nd T20I

Vaishnavi Sharma finally had her moment to cherish on the international stage during the second T20I against Sri Lanka Women. The young Indian off-spinner made a breakthrough at a crucial stage and ended the long wait for her first wicket. It was a dismissal that brought both relief and redemption after an earlier heartbreak during the first game. There were smiles all around as teammates rushed in to celebrate a milestone wicket.

IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Maiden international wicket for Vaishnavi Sharma

The breakthrough came in the 17th when Vaishnavi pulled off a false sweep Nilakshika Silvaa dismissal that threatened to happen much sooner. Vaishnavi bowled a long delivery that drifted into leg stump and enticed Nilakshika into playing the sweep, but the batsman could only get a top edge. Perfectly positioned on short, fine leg, Shree Charani made no mistake this time and completed a simple catch to seal the moment.

The significance of the wicket went beyond the scorecard, especially after Charani dropped a sitter at the same position in the previous game, denying Vaishnavi what should have been her first scalp. That missed opportunity lingered, but this time there was no escape. When the catch was taken, Vaishnavi’s face immediately lit up, followed by a warm hug from Sweet Ranacapturing the emotion of the occasion. Nilakshika departed for 2 off 3 balls, but the wicket symbolized perseverance rewarded. Vaishnavi finished with figures 2/32, a modest period statistically but a career-defining period emotionally. It was a reminder that for young bowlers, confidence often starts with that first breakthrough and Vaishnavi finally got hers.

Here’s the video:

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Shafali Verma’s powerful fifty sets up India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka

India delivered an impressive all-round performance beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I in Visakhapatnam, ending the chase with a whopping 49 balls to spare to go 2-0 ahead in the five-match series. Having opted to play, the Indian bowlers set the tone early, reducing Sri Lanka to 2/1 in the first over and never being able to fully recover.

Chamari Athapatthu And Harshitha Samarawickrama offered resistance with solid knocks of 31 and 33 respectively, but regular wickets kept Sri Lanka in check. Rana was exceptional during the middle overs, conceding just 11 runs in four overs, while Shree Charani came in with two important wickets. Vaishnavi enjoyed a memorable outing, taking her first international wicket and finishing with two scalps. Subdued bowling and sharp fielding saw Sri Lanka limping to 128/9, a total well below par on a good batting surface.

In response, India’s chase was crowned with a breathtaking attack from Shafali Vermawho dismantled the Sri Lankan attack with an unbeaten 69 off just 34 balls, with a score of over 200. Even after Smriti Mandhana fell early, Shafali and Rodrogue established a quick partnership that effectively ended the battle within the power play. Jemimah’s 26 from 15 provided ideal support, while Harmanpreet Kaur made sure there were no late hiccups before she left. India raced to the target in just 11.5 overs, underlining their dominance in all departments and cementing their authority in the series with a brutal, one-sided win.

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This article was first published on WomenCricket.coma Cricket Times company.