India Women Dominate to Secure 4-0 Series Lead Against Sri Lanka
In a thrilling encounter at Thiruvananthapuram on December 28, 2025, India Women secured a decisive 30-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth T20I, achieving a 4-0 lead in the series with one match still to play. India’s mammoth total of 221 for 2 was spearheaded by stellar performances from Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma, who both delivered blistering half-centuries.
Mandhana and Shafali’s Record Partnership Sets the Stage
The duo’s record-breaking opening partnership of 162 runs off just 92 balls set the tone for India’s innings. Shafali Verma continued her remarkable form, reaching her third successive T20I fifty, while Smriti Mandhana rebounded strongly after a string of quiet performances. Mandhana’s swashbuckling 80 off 48 balls was instrumental, along with Shafali’s commanding 79, as India posted their highest women’s T20I score. Mandhana moved to 1,703 runs in women’s internationals in the calendar year, the most by any player.
- Mandhana recorded 11 fours and three sixes, while Shafali hit 12 fours and one six.
- India took control during the powerplay, amassing 61 without loss in the first six overs.
Ghosh’s Late Blitz Cements India’s Command
After a brief resistance from the Sri Lankan bowlers, India promoted Richa Ghosh up the order. Harleen Deol had replaced Jemimah Rodrigues, who was recovering from a mild fever, before the promotion. The move paid rich dividends as Ghosh decimated the Sri Lankan attack, smashing 40 from just 16 deliveries. Her explosive hitting, including three sixes and a four in the penultimate over, ensured India finished strongly. Ghosh’s contribution cemented the record-breaking score with assistance from Harmanpreet Kaur, who partnered her for an unbeaten 53-run stand.
Sri Lanka’s Strong Start Thwarted by Vaishnavi Sharma
Sri Lanka, in reply, started assertively with Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera racing to 52 without loss within four overs. Perera’s rapid 33 off 20 balls and Athapaththu’s aggressive 52 provided a solid base before India’s Vaishnavi Sharma turned the tide. Her disciplined bowling removed both key players, Athapaththu and Samarawickrama, and she concluded with figures of 2 for 24, putting the brakes on Sri Lanka’s progress.
Strategic Bowling and Fielding Errors Mark the Match
The contest decisively tilted in overs 11 to 13, when India tore into the attack. The 11th over went for 15 runs, followed by a 20-run 12th and an 18-run 13th, each featuring two fours and a six. India surged from 85 for no loss to 150 in just 14.2 overs. Though India missed a couple of chances, including two dropped catches and a missed stumping, Sri Lanka gave away three chances of their own; nonetheless India’s batting prowess overshadowed these falters. Vaishnavi Sharma’s clever variations proved pivotal in managing the score while limiting the effectiveness of Sri Lanka’s chase, which culminated at 191 for 6 at the close.
With one game left in the series, India might use this as an opportunity to test their bench strength, boasting comprehensive performances throughout the tournament.
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