India’s women’s cricket team secured a decisive victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 International (T20I) match held on December 21, 2025, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The match marked the beginning of a three-match T20I series, following India’s participation in the recent ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision proved fruitful as the team posted a formidable total of 175 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was characterized by aggressive batting, with several players contributing significantly to the score.
Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as the standout performer for India, scoring 62 runs off 45 balls. Her innings included six boundaries and two sixes, showcasing her ability to accelerate the scoring rate during crucial phases of the match. Rodrigues’ performance was particularly noteworthy as it came on the back of a strong showing in the World Cup, where she had established herself as a key player for the team.
Other notable contributions came from Shafali Verma, who scored 38 runs off 30 balls, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who added 28 runs. The Indian batting lineup demonstrated depth and resilience, effectively capitalizing on the powerplay overs and maintaining momentum throughout the innings. The team’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at regular intervals was instrumental in setting a challenging target for the visitors.
In response, Sri Lanka struggled to build partnerships and faced early setbacks. The team lost wickets at regular intervals, with their top order failing to establish a solid foundation. The Sri Lankan innings was marked by a lack of aggression and an inability to cope with the Indian bowling attack, which was led by pacer Renuka Singh. Singh claimed three wickets for 22 runs in her four overs, effectively dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Sri Lanka’s highest scorer was Chamari Athapaththu, who managed to score 34 runs off 28 balls. However, her efforts were insufficient to steer the team towards a competitive total. The Sri Lankan innings concluded at 102 runs in 16.5 overs, resulting in a comprehensive 73-run victory for India.
The match was significant not only for the victory but also for the context of the series. Following the World Cup, where India reached the semifinals, the team aimed to build on their momentum and establish dominance in the T20 format. The series against Sri Lanka provides an opportunity for the Indian team to experiment with their lineup and strategies ahead of future international competitions.
The implications of this victory extend beyond the immediate match result. It serves as a confidence booster for the Indian team, reinforcing their status as a formidable force in women’s cricket. The performance of young players like Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma highlights the depth of talent within the squad, which is crucial for the team’s long-term success.
Furthermore, the match underscores the growing popularity of women’s cricket in India, a trend that has been bolstered by increased media coverage and investment in the sport. The Indian women’s team has garnered significant attention in recent years, and victories like this one contribute to the ongoing development of the game at both grassroots and professional levels.
Looking ahead, the second T20I match of the series is scheduled to take place on December 23, 2025, in Visakhapatnam. The Indian team will aim to maintain their winning momentum, while Sri Lanka will seek to regroup and make necessary adjustments to their strategy. The outcome of the series will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it could have implications for both teams’ preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
In summary, India’s victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I match is a significant milestone in the ongoing series, reflecting the team’s strength and potential. As the series progresses, both teams will be eager to showcase their capabilities and make a mark in the evolving landscape of women’s cricket.
