THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Smriti Mandhana made history on Sunday as India Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by 30 runs in the fourth T20 International. With this victory at the Greenfield International Stadium, India now holds a commanding 4-0 lead in the five-match series. 
Mandhana played a brilliant innings, scoring 80 runs off just 48 balls. During this knock, she achieved a major milestone. She became the fastest Indian female batter to reach 10,000 international runs, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj. On the other end, Shafali Verma was equally aggressive, smashing 79 runs off 46 balls. Their efforts helped India post a huge total of 221 for 2 in 20 overs.
However, the Sri Lankan middle order struggled to maintain the high scoring rate. Despite their best efforts, they finished at 191 for 6. Although they lost the match, this score marked Sri Lanka’s highest-ever total in the T20 format.
The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Tuesday, December 30th, for the fifth and final T20I. India will aim for a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka will fight to secure their first win of the series.
The series has been a record-breaking one for the Indian players. Shafali Verma has been the most consistent batter, while Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur have led the bowling attack with historic milestones.
A Record-Breaking Batting Performance
India chose to bat first and delivered a masterclass in power hitting. Opening batters Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma took control of the game from the very first over. Together, they built a massive 162-run partnership. This stands as the highest partnership for any wicket for the Indian Women’s team in T20 history.Mandhana played a brilliant innings, scoring 80 runs off just 48 balls. During this knock, she achieved a major milestone. She became the fastest Indian female batter to reach 10,000 international runs, surpassing the legendary Mithali Raj. On the other end, Shafali Verma was equally aggressive, smashing 79 runs off 46 balls. Their efforts helped India post a huge total of 221 for 2 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Spirited Response
Chasing a target of 222 was always going to be difficult, but Sri Lanka started with great energy. They scored 60 runs in the Powerplay and were actually ahead of India’s run rate at the halfway mark. Captain Chamari Athapaththu led from the front with a solid half-century.However, the Sri Lankan middle order struggled to maintain the high scoring rate. Despite their best efforts, they finished at 191 for 6. Although they lost the match, this score marked Sri Lanka’s highest-ever total in the T20 format.
Key Bowling Moments
India's bowling attack faced some pressure early on. Arundhati Reddy provided the first breakthrough, but the standout performer was the young Vaishnavi Sharma. She remained calm under pressure and took crucial wickets, including the dismissal of the Sri Lankan captain."I am happy to contribute to the win. It was tough to switch to T20 mode after playing so many ODIs, but the team is gelling really well," said Player of the Match Smriti Mandhana.
Looking Ahead
While India won the match, the team will look to improve their fielding and catching, which remained a bit sloppy during the game. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will take confidence from their improved batting performance as they head into the final match.The two teams will meet again at the same venue on Tuesday, December 30th, for the fifth and final T20I. India will aim for a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka will fight to secure their first win of the series.
The series has been a record-breaking one for the Indian players. Shafali Verma has been the most consistent batter, while Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh Thakur have led the bowling attack with historic milestones.
| Player | Runs | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma (IND) | 250+ | Three consecutive half-centuries (69*, 79*, and 79). |
| Smriti Mandhana (IND) | 150+ | Scored 80 (48) in 4th T20I; fastest Indian to 10,000 runs. |
| Chamari Athapaththu (SL) | 120+ | Sri Lanka's top scorer; hit a fighting 52 (37) in 4th T20I. |
| Jemimah Rodrigues (IND) | 100+ | Solid half-century in the 1st T20I to anchor the chase. |
| Player | Wickets | Notable Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Deepti Sharma (IND) | 7 | Took 3/18 in 3rd T20I; joint-highest T20I wicket-taker (151). |
| Renuka Singh Thakur (IND) | 4 | Claimed career-best figures of 4/21 in the 3rd T20I. |
| Vaishnavi Sharma (IND) | 6 | Consistently picked up 2 wickets in almost every game. |
| Arundhati Reddy (IND) | 3 | Provided key breakthroughs in the 4th T20I. |
Series Highlights & Records
- Highest Partnership: Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma’s 162-run stand in the 4th T20I is now the highest for any wicket for India in Women’s T20Is.
- Capitancy Record: Harmanpreet Kaur became the most successful captain in Women’s T20I history during this series, reaching 77 wins.
- Team Total: India's 221/2 in the 4th match is their highest-ever score in this format.
- Sri Lanka's Progress: Despite trailing 4-0, Sri Lanka posted 191/6 in the 4th match, which is their highest-ever T20I total.
- Series Finale Preview: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women
The fifth and final T20I between India and Sri Lanka is set for Tuesday, December 30th, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. While India has already secured the series with a 4-0 lead, the final game remains a vital opportunity for both sides. India aims for a "whitewash" (5-0 victory), while Sri Lanka hopes to end their tour on a high note.
Players to Watch
India Women
- Shafali Verma: The young opener is in red-hot form, coming off three consecutive half-centuries. She is currently the highest run-scorer of the series and will look to finish as the "Player of the Series."
- Richa Ghosh: After her explosive cameo of 40 runs from just 16 balls in the 4th T20I, all eyes will be on her to see if she can provide another late-innings fireworks display.
- Vaishnavi Sharma: The 19-year-old debutant has been a revelation. As the pick of the bowlers in the last match, she will be key to breaking Sri Lanka's middle-order resistance.
- Deepti Sharma: As the world's joint-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, she remains India's most dangerous weapon in the middle overs.
Sri Lanka Women
- Chamari Athapaththu: The captain finally found her touch with a 52-run knock in the last game. For Sri Lanka to win, she needs to play another massive captain's innings.
- Kavisha Dilhari: A rising star who contributes with both bat and ball. She has been one of the few consistent performers for the visitors and is crucial for their balance.
- Shashini Gimhani: The 17-year-old "mystery" spinner could be used to surprise the Indian batters if the pitch offers any turn in the final game.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM IST (1:30 PM GMT)
- Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- Where to Watch: JioHotstar (Live Streaming) and Star Sports Network (TV)
- Prediction: India enters as the heavy favorite, but Sri Lanka's record-breaking total in the last match shows they are narrowing the gap. Expect a high-scoring thriller!
| Condition | Details (Dec 30, 2025) |
|---|---|
| Daytime / Nighttime | Sunny / Clear with periodic clouds |
| Temperature | High 33°C | Low 24°C |
| Chance of Rain | 5% - 10% (Very Low) |
| Humidity | 71% - 74% (High Dew Risk) |
What This Means for the Match
- Minimal Rain Risk: With only a 5% to 10% chance of rain during the match hours (7:00 PM onwards), we are very likely to see a full 20-over-per-side contest without any interruptions.
- The Dew Factor: The high humidity (over 70%) suggests that dew will likely play a role in the second innings. This usually makes the ball slippery and harder for bowlers to grip, which often gives an advantage to the team batting second.
- Warm Conditions: While the evening will be slightly cooler than the daytime peak, players will still deal with a warm and humid environment, which can be physically demanding.
| Position | Player | Why Pick Them? |
|---|---|---|
| Wicket-keeper | Richa Ghosh (IND) | Powerful finisher; hit 40 (16) in last game. |
| Batter (C) | Shafali Verma (IND) | Most consistent scorer; three 50s in a row. |
| Batter (VC) | Smriti Mandhana (IND) | World record holder; massive 80 in 4th T20I. |
| All-rounder | Deepti Sharma (IND) | Reliable with ball and lower-order batting. |
| All-rounder | Chamari Athapaththu (SL) | Captain and key performer for Sri Lanka. |
| Bowler | Renuka Singh Thakur (IND) | Expert with the new ball at this venue. |
| Bowler | Vaishnavi Sharma (IND) | Consistent wicket-taker throughout the series. |
Strategy Tips for the Finale
- Captaincy Pick: Shafali Verma is the safest choice for Captain as she has been the most consistent run-scorer. If you want a "differential" pick for a mega league, Deepti Sharma is a great choice because she bowls her full quota of 4 overs.
- The "Dew" Factor: Since high humidity is expected, the team bowling first might struggle to grip the ball later in the match. If India bowls first, their pacers like Renuka Singh become even more valuable.
- Sri Lanka's Value Picks: If you need to save "credits," Hasini Perera or Inoka Ranaweera are good budget options who can provide steady points.
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