The first T20I of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of India kicks off at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on December 21, with hosts India aiming to start strong on home soil. Sri Lanka, led by the explosive Chamari Athapaththu, seek an early upset in this five-match series, while India’s batters eye dominance on a flat track favoring strokeplay.
India holds a commanding head-to-head edge (20 wins from 26 T20Is, 5 losses, 1 no result), bolstered by their depth in batting and spin. Sri Lanka’s recent form shows grit, but India’s home advantage and batting firepower make them favorites to take a 1-0 lead.
Squads:
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyanganha, Malsha Shehani, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Nimesha Madushani, Kawya Kavindi, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara
Players to watch out:
Smriti Mandhana
The left-hand opener boasts 3,982 runs in 153 T20Is at a strike rate of 123, including 1 century and 31 fifties (highest 112). Her elegant timing thrives on Visakhapatnam’s true bounce. Expect her to anchor India’s powerplay and set a brisk platform under lights.
Jemimah Rodrigues
With 2,375 runs in 112 T20Is at 116 strike rate (highest 76), Rodrigues excels in the middle-order. Her quick hands and placement suit batting-friendly decks; she could accelerate against spin as the pitch flattens further.
Chamari Athapaththu
The skipper has 3,458 runs and 63 wickets in 146 T20Is (highest 119*, strike rate 110, 3 centuries). Her all-round dynamism, power hitting plus off spin could disrupt India, especially if Sri Lanka bowl first on this predictable surface.
Hasini Perera
A left-hand batter and right-arm medium pacer with 783 runs in 84 T20Is (strike rate 79), Perera adds depth. Her seam movement early on might exploit any dew; she could be a crucial factor for Sri Lanka.
Pitch:
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA VDCA Stadium features a batting paradise with smooth surface, consistent bounce, and pace that lets stroke makers dominate. Innings build momentum as the game wears on, with minimal turn for spinners.
Weather:
Clear skies with minimum at 16°C, maximum at 27°C, 43% humidity, and 0% precipitation, are forecasted for the game. Ideal for uninterrupted cricket, minimal swing, and batters feasting.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Smriti Mandhana, Chamari Athapaththu, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, Hasini Perera, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Kavisha Dilhari, Arundhati Reddy
Match Details:
Date – December 21, 2025
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Broadcast – Telecast on Star Sports Network | Streaming on Jio Hotstar (India)
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