India vs Sri Lanka Final : The stage is set for a thrilling finale in the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series in Sri Lanka. India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has powered its way to the summit clash after a commanding 23-run win over South Africa in Colombo. And at the heart of this crucial victory was none other than Jemimah Rodrigues, who lit up the crease with a breathtaking century.
India vs Sri Lanka Final : Jemimah Rodrigues Shines Bright as India Marches into Tri-Series Final Clash With Sri Lanka
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Rodrigues & Deepti: A Duo of Destruction
Put in to bat first, India didn’t have the most comfortable start. In-form opener Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol fell early, and the scoreboard read a worrying 50 for 3 after captain Harmanpreet Kaur departed for a quick 28. But what followed was a stellar recovery led by the experienced Smriti Mandhana and the dynamic Jemimah Rodrigues.
Mandhana played the anchor role with a steady 51 off 63 balls, stitching an 88-run stand with Jemimah. But it was Jemimah’s show all the way—graceful yet aggressive, calculated yet daring. She reached her second ODI century in just 89 balls and went on to smash 123 off 101 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 15 fours and a six.
Joining forces with Deepti Sharma, Rodrigues added another 122 runs for the fifth wicket. Deepti herself was magnificent, narrowly missing out on a century with 93 off 84 balls. Her acceleration in the final overs, including 10 boundaries and two sixes, pushed India to an imposing 337/9—its fifth-highest ODI total.
South Africa Fights, But Falls Short
In response, South Africa showed signs of resistance, especially through Annerie Dercksen’s 81 and captain Chloe Tryon’s explosive 67 off just 43 balls. Tryon launched five massive sixes and threatened to steal the game away, but India’s bowlers held their nerve.
Amanjot Kaur, playing her first game of the series, made an immediate impact. Swinging the ball effectively, she bagged three wickets, including the dangerous Dercksen, and ended with 3/59. Deepti Sharma’s all-round brilliance continued with two wickets to add to her batting exploits, and Pratika Rawal chipped in with a key breakthrough.
Despite a valiant effort, South Africa was restricted to 314/7, falling 23 runs short. With three losses in the series, including two against India, the Proteas are now out of the final race. Even a win in their remaining league match against Sri Lanka won’t change their fate.
Road to the Final: India vs Sri Lanka
India finishes the round-robin stage with three wins in four matches, their only hiccup being a loss to Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament. That sets the stage for an intense final between the two subcontinental powerhouses.
The last time India faced Sri Lanka, it ended in disappointment. But with players like Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Amanjot Kaur hitting peak form, the Women in Blue will be eager to settle scores and lift the tri-series trophy.
Player of the Match Quote: Jemimah Rodrigues
“The year has just begun, and the goal is the World Cup. Scoring in front of my parents makes it extra special. I just wanted to keep it simple and build partnerships. Deepti was amazing out there with me—it’s all about confidence and playing smart cricket.”
Final Preview:
🗓 Final Match: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women
📍 Venue: Colombo
📅 Date: TBC, following the last league match on May 9
📺 Watch Live: Streaming details to be announced
Stay tuned as India gears up for a blockbuster finale. With Rodrigues in red-hot form and a hungry squad behind her, the Women in Blue are eyeing nothing less than silverware.
FAQs
Jemimah Rodrigues, with a century (123 off 101 balls), was the standout performer.
Yes, India secured their place in the final with a 23-run win over South Africa.
