IND-W vs. SL-W [WATCH]: Vaishnavi Sharma dismisses Nilakshika Silva to claim her first international wicket in 2nd T20I

Vaishnavi Sharma finally got his moment to cherish on the international stage in the second T20I against Sri Lanka Women. The young Indian broke through at a crucial time, ending a long wait for her first wicket. It was a dismissal that brought both relief and redemption after earlier heartbreak in the first game. Smiles all around as teammates rushed to celebrate a scoring wicket.

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

The breakthrough came in the 17th when Vaishnavi caused a false sweep of Nilakshika Silvaa dismissal that threatened to happen much sooner. Pitching a length delivery drifting into leg stump, Vaishnavi tempted Nilakshika to play the sweep, but the batter could only manage a top edge. Perfectly positioned on the short, thin leg, Shree Charani made no mistake this time, making a simple catch to seal the moment.

The importance of the wicket went beyond the scoreboard, especially after Charani dropped a keeper in the same position in the previous match, denying Vaishnavi what should have been her first scalp. This missed opportunity persisted, but this time there was no escape. As the catch was taken, Vaishnavi’s face instantly lit up, followed by a warm hug from Sneh Ranacapturing the emotion of the occasion. Nilakshika went for 2 off 3 balls, but the wicket symbolized perseverance rewarded. Vaishnavi finished with the figures 2/32, a modest period statistically, but career-defining on an emotional level. It reminds us that for young bowlers, confidence often begins with that first breakthrough and Vaishnavi finally has hers.

Here is the video:

ALSO READ: IND-W vs SL-W, 2nd T20I: Here’s why Deepti Sharma is not playing today’s match

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

India achieved a remarkable overall performance defeat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the second T20I in Visakhapatnam, sealing the chase with 49 balls to spare and going 2-0 ahead in the five-match series. After electing to field, the Indian bowlers set the tone from the start, reducing Sri Lanka to 2/1 in the first over and never allowing them to fully recover.

Chamari Athapatthu And Harshitha Samarawickrama offered resistance with brisk knocks of 31 and 33 respectively, but consistent wickets kept Sri Lanka in control. Rana was exceptional in the middle overs, conceding just 11 runs in four overs, while Shree Charani chipped in with two key wickets. Vaishnavi had a memorable outing, taking his first international wicket and finishing with two scalps. Restrained bowling and accurate fielding saw Sri Lanka limp to 128/9, a well below average total on a good batting surface.

In response, India’s pursuit was marked by a breathtaking attack from Shafali Vermawho dismantled the Sri Lankan attack with an unbeaten 69 off just 34 balls, hitting over 200. Even after Smriti Mandhana fell early, Shafali and Rodrogue formed a quick partnership that effectively ended the contest on the power play. Jemimah’s 26 from 15 provided ideal support, while Harmanpreet Kaur made sure there were no late issues before he left. India reached the target in just 11.5 overs, underlining their dominance in all departments and cementing their authority in the series with a ruthless, one-sided victory.

ALSO READ: IND-W vs SL-W: Smriti Mandhana breaks Suzie Bates’ record in T20Is

This article was first published on FemmesCricket.comA Cricket Schedules business.