India Women will face Sri Lanka Women in the first T20I of a five-match series in Visakhapatnam on 21 December 2025. This series marks India’s return to T20I cricket after winning their maiden ODI World Cup title at home.
The five matches form a major part of India’s preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. India have only 11 T20Is scheduled before that tournament. As a result, this series carries high importance for building rhythm and confidence.
India adopt a more aggressive approach
India have changed their playing style since their group-stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The team now plays with greater attacking intent. During this period, India have scored at the second-highest run rate in women’s T20Is, behind only Australia, among teams that have played at least five matches.
Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma have all struck at rates above 140. This shows a batting unit focused on taking control early. The results reflect that shift. India have won five of their last eight T20Is across two series. This includes a 3–2 series win against England in July, which remains their only T20I assignment so far this year.
Bowling combinations under focus
While India’s batting order looks settled, the bowling attack draws attention. Renuka Singh returns to the squad, strengthening the pace unit. However, Radha Yadav, who is India’s joint-highest wicket-taker since the 2024 T20 World Cup, misses out.
The selectors have included young left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma. She could make her international debut during the series, adding a fresh option to the spin department.
Sri Lanka focus on rebuilding phase
Sri Lanka Women arrive in India with different priorities. Their last T20I series came in New Zealand in March, where they drew the three-match series 1–1. Since then, Sri Lanka have moved on from several senior players.
For this tour, the team has invested in younger players. With tours of West Indies in February and Bangladesh in March–April 2026 before the World Cup in June, Sri Lanka see this series as a testing ground. The focus remains on evaluating how the new group performs against a confident Indian side, rather than on immediate results.
Pitch report
The Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Stadium usually offers a batter-friendly surface. A total around 270 is considered competitive here. As the match progresses, spinners often play a key role.
The pitch assists spin and offers low bounce. Because of this, chasing does not always provide an advantage, although dew can influence conditions later in the evening. The highest ODI total at this venue is 387, scored by India against West Indies in 2019.
Weather report
Visakhapatnam is set to witness clear and pleasant weather. The city will experience typical winter conditions. The temperature is expected to range between 19°C and 27°C.
Skies will remain sunny and clear, though some haze is possible due to winter air quality issues. Humidity will stay around 56% during the day and rise above 80% at night. Light northeast winds will blow at 8–10 mph. Rain is unlikely, with only a 0–10% chance of showers.
Squads
India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh(wk), Sneh Rana, Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, G Kamalini
Sri Lanka Women: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana(wk), Rashmika Sewwandi, Imesha Dulani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimesha Madushani, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Malsha Shehani, Shashini Gimhani