Harmanpreet Kaur Steers India to Dominant Victory in Thiruvananthapuram
In a commanding display of cricket, India Women sealed a 15-run win over Sri Lanka in the fifth T20I, held in Thiruvananthapuram on December 30, 2025. The victory not only clinched the match but also completed a flawless 5-0 series sweep against the visiting team.
India’s innings was anchored by their captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, who top-scored with a decisive 68 off 43 balls. Her performance was instrumental in guiding India to a total of 175 for 7, a target that proved too challenging for Sri Lanka, who finished at 160 for 7 despite commendable fifties from Hasini Perera and Imesha Dulani. Sri Lanka’s Kavisha Dilhari finished with 2 for 11.
Sri Lanka Strikes Early but Can’t Contain Harmanpreet
Sri Lanka made early inroads into India’s batting lineup, with Shafali Verma departing for just 5 runs. India faced further setbacks when debutant G Kamalini and Harleen Deol were sent back to the pavilion, leaving India wobbling at 64 for 4 in the ninth over. However, Harmanpreet Kaur took charge with an aggressive yet cautious knock, effectively turning the game around.
Tactical shot-making against spin led to her reaching her half-century, enabling India to regain composure. Despite losing key wickets around her, Kaur’s steady hand ensured India set a competitive score.
India’s Lower Order Contributions and Sri Lanka’s Resistance
India’s lower order added crucial runs, thanks to a late surge by Arundhati Reddy, who smashed 27* off 11 balls, fortifying India’s position. Amanjot Kaur’s beneficial run contribution further assisted Harmanpreet in building a defendable total.
Sri Lanka’s response appeared promising as Perera and Dulani compiled a resilient 79-run partnership for the second wicket, both scoring half-centuries. Nevertheless, India’s bowlers, with Deepti Sharma among them, who became the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 152 scalps, surpassing Megan Schutt, applied pressure, causing a late collapse and sealing Sri Lanka’s fate.
Series Highlights and Achievements
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; India surged from 85 for no loss to 150 in 14.2 overs. Though India missed a few chances, their 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.
This series marked India’s third 5-0 T20I sweep, having previously achieved similar feats against West Indies and Bangladesh. Deepti Sharma’s milestone as the leading T20I wicket-taker underscored India’s bowling prowess throughout the series.
With this compelling series victory over Sri Lanka, India concludes the year on a high note, reflecting the growing strength and depth of its women’s cricket team.
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