Twitter Reactions: Chamari Athapaththu's half-century powers Sri Lanka to a consolation win over India

Sri Lanka Women registered a convincing seven-wicket victory in the third and final T20I against the Indian eves at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Monday, June 27. The consolation win in the dead-rubber contest ensured that the hosts succeeded in salvaging pride despite conceding the series by losing the opening two fixtures.

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side had an off day in this contest as the batting failed to click as a unit and the Sri Lankan bowlers added pressure and the visitors could never get the momentum that was needed in the first place and were eventually restricted to a below-par total which was just not enough in the end.

Batting first, India lost the big wicket of opener Shafali Verma early and unfortunately for them, even star batter Smriti Mandhana and Sabbhineni Meghana (both scored 22 each) failed to convert their good starts into impactful knocks. The Indian eves were reeling at 51/3 in the ninth over before captain Kaur and promising batter Jemimah Rodrigues carried out the rescue act with a 64-run stand for the fourth wicket before the latter was dismissed for an important 33 runs off 30 deliveries.

Harmanpreet Kaur remained unbeaten on 39 runs from 33 balls as India finished at 138/5 from their 20 overs. For Sri Lanka, Sugandika Kumari, Ama Kanchana, Oshadi Ranasinghe and Inoka Ranaweera chipped in with a wicket each.

Skipper Chamari Athapaththu shines with a maiden 50 against India

In reply, the Indian bowlers removed opener Vishmi Gunaratne early for just five runs to her name and the hosts seemed to be in a spot of bother after being reduced to 37/2 when Harshitha Madavi was dismissed. Nonetheless, skipper Chamari Athapaththu single-handedly took the responsibility for the run chase and played a counter-attacking innings.

At the same time, the Lankan captain also registered her maiden half-century against India. Chamari got some much-needed support from Nilakshi de Silva (30) as the hosts succeeded in crossing the line with exactly three overs to spare. Chamari Athapaththu remained unbeaten on 80 runs from 48 deliveries at a strike rate of 166.7.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Sri Lanka win the third T20I, finishing the series on a high 👏

Chamari Athapaththu leads her side to a seven-wicket win with her blazing 48-ball 80* 🔥#SLvIND | 📝 https://t.co/vXAumNKQsa pic.twitter.com/P6nWeRCmlD

— ICC (@ICC) June 27, 2022

Captain @ImHarmanpreet
led from the front & bagged the Player of the Series award in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. 👏 👏#SLvIND #CricketTwitter

— Cricket Gang (@CricketGang3) June 27, 2022

Captain @ImHarmanpreet led from the front & bagged the Player of the Series award in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. 👏 👏#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/f9tafguAah

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) June 27, 2022

This is the first time Sri Lanka won a Women's T20I match against India at home.

Overall the 4th time. The first 3 wins were all in 2014.#SLvIND

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 27, 2022

Now that the #SLvIND T20s done, it’s time for both teams to announce their #CWG22 Squads.

— Yash Lahoti (@YvLahoti) June 27, 2022

Powar says the match today was a learning experience as Chamari put India under the pump. Said he was pleased with batting overall, saw some good things from the main batters on not so easy pitches. Bowlers will get better with chances. Winning habit is important. #SLvIND

— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) June 27, 2022

Disappointing series for everyone – BATTERS, BOWLERS, FIELDERS,
COACH & MANAGEMENT
(As always)#SLvIND

— Srikanth (@G_Srikanth24) June 27, 2022

After an Ages India women's team won a trophy🏆🥺😍#SLvIND pic.twitter.com/KecF7OsxjR

— Ashwini🇮🇳 || Kaur (C) ERA (@AshuCric07) June 27, 2022

Best left hand batter chamari athapaththu, Beth mooney at any stage they will win it at any cost. #SLvInd

— Sugu (@vasugi29) June 27, 2022