NEW DELHI: Pacer Renuka Singh Thakur made a stunning return to the T20I side, while Deepti Sharma continued her remarkable run as India restricted Sri Lanka to 112 for seven in the third match on Friday.

Returning to T20I cricket for the first time since December last year, Renuka finished with impressive figures of 4/21.

With the new ball, she immediately unsettled the Sri Lankan top order, swinging the ball and shifting the momentum firmly in India’s favour.

Deepti Sharma once again proved her value with a controlled spell of 3/18. She not only provided timely breakthroughs but also joined Australia’s Megan Schutt at the top of the all-time women’s T20I wicket-takers list, picking up her 151st wicket in the format.

Sri Lanka started briskly but lost grip.

Looking to stay alive in the series, Hasini Perera got Sri Lanka off to a quick start. She struck two boundaries in Renuka’s opening over, collecting 12 runs and showing early intent.

Perera blended caution with innovation, even scooping one over the wicketkeeper for another boundary. Her approach helped keep captain Chamari Athapaththu under less pressure, though the Sri Lankan skipper struggled to find rhythm early on.

Deepti delivers key breakthrough

India pulled things back when Deepti struck to remove Athapaththu. The Sri Lankan captain stepped out in search of a big hit but only managed a top edge, which was safely taken by Harmanpreet Kaur.

Renuka then returned for a decisive second spell. In the sixth over, she removed the in-form Perera before completing a sharp caught-and-bowled to dismiss Harshitha Samarawickrama, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 32 for three.

Renuka and Deepti seal the chokehold

Renuka tightened India’s grip further in the 10th over by trapping Nilakshika Silva leg before, continuing her impact spell.

Kavisha Dilhari and Imesha Dulani attempted a recovery with a 40-run stand. Just as Sri Lanka looked to rebuild, Deepti struck again to dismiss Dilhari, bringing up the 150th wicket of her T20I career.

From there, Deepti and Renuka kept striking at regular intervals. Their disciplined bowling ensured Sri Lanka never found momentum, eventually restricting them to a below-par total.

(With PTI Inputs)