Sri Lanka! Nilakshika, Samarawickrama, and Sugandika stepping up to script a rare and memorable win over India

That’s an extraordinary performance by Sri Lanka—pulling off their second-highest successful ODI chase against a top side like India, and doing it on a slow, tough-to-chase-on surface no less, is a statement win. Nilakshika Silva’s 56 off 33 was exactly the kind of fearless, match-turning knock Sri Lanka has often lacked in pressure chases. Harshitha Samarawickrama’s composed half-century provided the backbone, and the support from Vishmi Gunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari ensured the innings never lost momentum. What’s more impressive is how they chased 275—a total well above par according to Chamari Athapaththu—without relying solely on one batter. It was collective and composed. This win not only breaks ground statistically (just their third ODI win vs India) but psychologically too—it shows they can hunt down big totals against strong opposition. What a phenomenal, team-driven triumph for Sri Lanka—arguably one of their most well-rounded and emotionally significant ODI wins in recent history. The finish from Anushka Sanjeewani and Sugandika Kumari was ice-cool under pressure. Kumari’s unbeaten 19—her best ever in internationals—came just when Sri Lanka risked slipping at the end. Her calm presence and early boundaries tilted the momentum their way, while Sanjeewani’s measured 23* and the composed sweep for the winning runs were emblematic of the newfound depth and belief in this side. The celebration that followed said it all: this was no fluke—it was a long-overdue statement. Perhaps the most powerful narrative here is Chamari Athapaththu’s quiet outing. For years, Sri Lanka’s results hinged almost entirely on her. But this time, a reshuffled top order and a string of bold, confident performances from others—particularly Nilakshika Silva’s scintillating 50 off 28—proved they are no longer a one-woman team. Silva's intent from ball four, including that fearless leap down the track to Sneh Rana, set the tone. Her boundary-hitting was clinical, especially square of the wicket, and that big six off Shree Charani crowned a fearless innings. From needing 124 off 107 to trimming it down to 38 off 44 when she exited, Silva’s knock cracked open the chase. And then the lower order sealed it. For India, it was a case of letting a golden chance slip despite a healthy total and plenty of spin options. This match was a classic case of momentum shifts, individual brilliance, and a collective breakthrough for Sri Lanka—but India had their moments too. Sneh Rana was once again India's most dependable bowler. Her figures of 3 for 45 in 10 overs, especially on a surface offering little assistance, speak volumes about her control and consistency. Unfortunately, the rest of India’s attack couldn’t quite back her up. While Arundhati Reddy, Shree Charani, and Pratika Rawal all took wickets, their economy rates—driven up largely by Nilakshika Silva’s counterattack—left India vulnerable. Reddy’s 37th over was pivotal: 20 runs from it turned the tide definitively, breathing life into a chase that was teetering. On the batting front, Richa Ghosh was electric. Her 58 off 48 was a masterclass in power and precision. She didn’t just score quickly—she scored smartly. All three of her sixes came in that powerful V between long-on and wide long-on, and she kept the fielders scrambling with those drilled shots through wide mid-on. When she arrived at 145 for 4 in the 30th over, India looked on track for 250. Thanks to Ghosh’s shot-making and her stand with Deepti Sharma, they soared to 275. Chamari Athapaththu had a mixed day—quiet with the bat but useful with the ball, taking 3 for 43. Though her drop of Jemimah Rodrigues could have proved costly, she made up for it in part with the ball. Meanwhile, Sugandika Kumari’s all-round impact—3 for 44 with the ball and that composed 19* with the bat—was crucial in framing Sri Lanka’s win as a true team effort. This match had all the elements of a thriller and a significant shift in narrative: India brought the firepower, but Sri Lanka brought belief and balance.