Smriti Mandhana’s Masterclass Sets the Tone
Anyone who thinks high-pressure matches make players cautious hasn’t seen Smriti Mandhana bat. When India won the toss in Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium and chose to bat first against Sri Lanka on May 11, 2025, all eyes were on Mandhana. She didn’t disappoint. After a shaky start—including a moment when she was dropped at just 21—Mandhana found her rhythm and pummeled boundaries all over the ground. Her 116 runs off 101 balls turned the match into a one-sided affair early on.
Rodrigz provided a late injection of energy, smashing 44 off 29 balls. India powered to a massive total of 342 for 7, a score that would pressure even the best batting line-ups. For Sri Lanka, every bowler looked for answers, but none could stop the momentum once Mandhana got going. The crowd knew India had laid down a serious marker for the upcoming World Cup.
Sri Lanka Falter Despite Athapaththu’s Resistance
Chasing 343 in front of a home crowd is tough, but Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu put up a fight. Her knock of 51 off 66 balls briefly gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope. But once she departed, the wheels came off. India’s fielding was on point—dives, sharp throws, and safe hands meant Sri Lanka couldn’t hang on to partnerships. The pressure added up quickly.
It was Sneh Rana who stole the bowling show. She rattled through the Sri Lankan lineup, finishing with figures of 4 for 38 in just over nine overs. With support from the rest of the attack and tidy fielding, India never let Sri Lanka off the hook. The hosts folded for 245 in 48.2 overs, never really threatening the target after their captain’s exit.
- Kranti Goud made her ODI debut for India, adding a fresh face to the squad for this key match.
- Every Indian wicket felt like a step closer to the trophy, and Sri Lanka’s lower order simply couldn’t muster a comeback.
When the final wicket fell, India’s celebrations matched the dominance they displayed on the field—this wasn’t just a win, it was a statement.
After the match, Mandhana was named Player of the Match—no surprises there—while Sneh Rana took home Player of the Series honors. The prize was presented by Sri Lanka Cricket’s secretary, Bandula Danayaka. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur collected the championship trophy, her squad basking in cheers and team selfies under the stadium lights.
The Servo Cup wasn’t just any tournament. With South Africa also in the mix and a double round-robin format, every match was a high-pressure dress rehearsal for the Women’s World Cup. India topped the table with three wins from four, Sri Lanka followed with two, and South Africa trailed. Most importantly, India’s clear edge in batting depth and bowling firepower showed they might just be favorites for the big tournament on the horizon.
