India take on Sri Lanka in first Women's T20I: Preview
What's the story
The Indian women's cricket team is all set to take on Sri Lanka in a five-match T20I series. The first game will be played on December 21 at Visakhapatnam. This series comes just a month after Harmanpreet Kaur's side lifted the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 trophy. The upcoming matches are crucial as they serve as preparation for the next year's marquee T20 World Cup in England and Wales.
Historical context
India's strong record against Sri Lanka
As per ESPNcricinfo, India and Sri Lanka have met 26 times in WT20Is. Harmanpreet Kaur's India own a stellar record against, winning 20 out of 26 matches (NR: 1). On Indian soil, the Indian women's cricket team has a 4-2 win-loss record from 6 matches. The visitors can take some solace from the fact that they will be playing at the same venue where they last defeated India back in 2014. The five-match series will also give them a chance to relive their Asia Cup final victory over India in 2024.
Recent form
India's recent T20I series victories
Since their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 T20 World Cup in UAE, India Women have won two T20I series. They beat West Indies 2-1 at home and edged past England 3-2 away. These victories have given the team a chance to experiment with new players while having focused on the recently concluded ODI World Cup.
Team dynamics
Sri Lanka's T20 World Cup journey and squad
Sri Lanka had a dismal outing at the T20 World Cup, returning without a win. They have played just one series since then, drawing 1-1 against New Zealand away. Despite their attempts to move away from dependence on Chamari Athapaththu, the skipper still remains a key player for the team. Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the series, which includes an aging core with young solutions expected to contribute.
Probable XIs
A look at the likely XIs
India likely XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana/Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud/Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, N Shree Charani. Sri Lanka likely XI: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, 6 Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Manudi Nanayakkara, Inoka Ranaweera/Nimasha Madushani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Malki Madara.
Do you know?
Mandhana is closing in on 4,000 WT20I runs
Indian star Smriti Mandhana owns 3,982 from 153 matches at 29.93. She has one century and 31 fifties. She is 18 shy of the 4,000-run mark. New Zealand's Suzie Bates is the only other batter with 4,000-plus runs. She owns 4,716 runs at 29.11.