India Women began their series against Sri Lanka on a confident note with a comprehensive eight wicket victory in the first T20I at Visakhapatnam on December 21, 2025. After winning the toss, India elected to field first, a decision that paid off as they restricted Sri Lanka Women to a modest 121 for 6 before chasing down the target with 32 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka’s innings had moments of promise but lacked sustained momentum. Vishmi Gunaratne anchored the batting with a patient 39 off 43 balls, showing composure against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Chamari Athapaththu, leading the side, started briskly with 15 off 12 balls, striking three boundaries, but was dismissed early while attempting to up the tempo. Hasini Perera (20 off 23) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) tried to build partnerships in the middle overs, yet regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from accelerating.
India’s bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings, mixing pace well and cutting off boundary options. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Gaud picked up a wicket each and were effective in the middle overs, while Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with her economy, conceding just 16 runs in her four overs.
Sree Charani also chipped in with a wicket, though Sri Lanka managed to score 30 off her spell. Sharp fielding further added pressure, with three runouts ensuring Sri Lanka finished below par at 121 for 6.
In reply, India Women approached the chase with clarity and intent. Smriti Mandhana gave the innings a steady start, scoring 25 off 25 balls with four boundaries, before being dismissed in the ninth over. Shafali Verma’s cameo was brief but impactful, as she smashed 9 off just 5 deliveries, striking at an impressive rate before falling early.
The highlight of the chase was Jemimah Rodrigues’ fluent and authoritative knock. Batting with freedom, Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 69 off 44 balls, controlling the chase with maturity and attacking flair. She found gaps with ease, rotated strike smartly, and punished loose deliveries, ensuring there was never any real pressure on the Indian side. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided calm support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 15 off 16 balls.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain India’s batters, with only Kawya Kavindi and Inoka Ranaweera managing to take a wicket each. The lack of penetration and some expensive spells meant India cruised to 122 for 2 in just 14.4 overs, scoring at a healthy run rate of 8.31.
It was a clinical all-round performance from India Women; disciplined with the ball, sharp in the field, and composed with the bat. The victory gives India a strong start to the series, while Sri Lanka will look to regroup and find greater consistency as they aim to bounce back in the remaining matches.
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