Thiruvananthapuram, India — Star Struck Times
India will look to cap off a dominant 2025 home season with a clean sweep when they face Sri Lanka in the fifth and final Women’s T20 International on Tuesday. Already leading the five-match series 4-0, the hosts have been clinical with both bat and ball. Sri Lanka, however, showed renewed fight in the fourth T20I and will aim to avoid a whitewash as preparations intensify for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, now less than six months away.
Key Highlights
- India lead the five-match T20I series 4-0
- Sri Lanka showed improvement while chasing in the fourth T20I
- Shafali Verma has scored three consecutive half-centuries
- Hasini Perera emerged as a key positive for Sri Lanka
- Dew and batting-friendly conditions expected again in Thiruvananthapuram
What happened so far in the series
India have dominated the series from the outset, restricting Sri Lanka to totals under 130 in the first three matches before chasing comfortably with time and wickets to spare. The hosts benefited from winning the toss in the opening games, allowing their disciplined bowling unit to dictate terms early.
The fourth T20I on December 28, 2025, marked a shift. For the first time in the series, Sri Lanka were given the opportunity to chase, and they responded with greater intent. Openers Chamari Athapaththu and Hasini Perera put on a brisk start, with Perera attacking India’s new-ball bowlers to help Sri Lanka reach 52 without loss in the first four overs.
Although Sri Lanka eventually fell short, the performance offered encouragement after three heavy defeats.
Standout performers in the spotlight
Hasini Perera’s aggressive approach stood out in the previous match. The experienced opener, who has played nearly 90 T20Is, has been dismissed only twice in the series and is yet to register her maiden international half-century. Her recent form has raised hopes within the Sri Lankan camp.
On the Indian side, Shafali Verma continues to redefine power-hitting in women’s T20 cricket. She has amassed 236 runs in the series at a strike rate of 185.82, with three half-centuries in a row. Smriti Mandhana, her opening partner, has been equally consistent, and together they stitched India’s highest-ever T20I partnership for any wicket earlier in the series.
A senior BCCI official said, “The Mandhana–Shafali partnership has given India a clear edge. Their intent at the top sets the tone for the rest of the lineup.”
Team news and possible changes
India may consider rotation despite holding an unassailable lead. Jemimah Rodrigues missed the fourth T20I due to a mild fever, and her availability remains under watch. Harleen Deol, who replaced her, did not get a chance to bat. There is also speculation that 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini could be handed a debut, having already impressed as a substitute fielder with a juggling catch.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have rotated their squad throughout the series and could make further changes as they search for the right balance ahead of the World Cup.
A former international cricketer and analyst noted, “For Sri Lanka, this final game is less about the result and more about identifying combinations that can compete at the global level.”
Pitch, conditions, and why it matters
The Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a record 412 runs in the previous match, and similar batting-friendly conditions are expected. Dew played a significant role on Sunday evening, making bowling second challenging. Captains winning the toss are likely to opt to field again.
India’s fielding, however, has shown minor lapses, with seven catches dropped across the series. Sri Lanka will be eager to capitalize on any chances offered.
The match carries broader significance. A win would give India their third 5-0 sweep in women’s T20Is, after similar victories against the West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. For Sri Lanka, avoiding a whitewash would provide a much-needed morale boost.
One fan at the stadium said, “Sri Lanka finally showed some fight last game. We just want to see them finish strong.” Another supporter added, “Shafali right now feels unstoppable—every innings is must-watch.”
Context and records to watch
- India could register their third-ever 5-0 T20I series win
- Smriti Mandhana has scored 1,703 international runs in 2025; another 62 would make her the highest run-scorer of the year across men’s and women’s cricket
- Deepti Sharma is one wicket away from becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is
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What Happens Next
After the conclusion of the T20I series, both teams will shift focus toward refining squads and strategies for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. India are expected to experiment further in upcoming fixtures, while Sri Lanka will analyze this tour closely to address gaps before global competition resumes.
FAQs
Q1: When and where is the final T20I being played?
The fifth and final Women’s T20 International between India and Sri Lanka will be played on December 31, 2025, at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India. The venue has already hosted four matches in this series.
Q2: Why has India been so dominant in the series?
India’s success has been driven by disciplined bowling, aggressive opening partnerships, and depth in batting. Consistent performances from players like Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Deepti Sharma have kept Sri Lanka under pressure throughout the series.
Q3: What positives can Sri Lanka take from this tour?
Sri Lanka’s improved batting effort in the fourth T20I, especially the opening partnership led by Hasini Perera, stands out. The team has also tested multiple players, which could help finalize combinations ahead of the World Cup.
Q4: Could India make changes despite leading 4-0?
Yes, India may rotate players to manage workload and give opportunities to younger squad members. A potential debut for wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini is being closely watched.
Stay with Star Struck Times for authoritative cricket coverage, match analysis, and updates as the women’s international season builds toward the World Cup.
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