India Women vs Sri Lanka Women – T20I Series Preview (2025)

Match Details

• Date: December 21, 2025
• Time: 13:30 GMT
• Venue: Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
• Series: Sri Lanka Women Tour of India, 2025 – 1st of 5 T20Is

Match Preview

The 2025 edition of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of India kicks off with a high-stakes T20I series, and the first match between India Women and Sri Lanka Women promises to be an electrifying start. With the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam setting the stage, fans are in for a thrilling encounter between two teams with contrasting styles and ambitions.

India Women: The Favourites

Currently ranked 3rd in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings, India Women enter the series as the stronger side on paper. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the team has evolved into a well-rounded unit capable of chasing down daunting totals and defending tightly. The experience of players like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Richa Ghosh adds depth to the squad, while the pace duo of Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma can exploit the conditions in the death overs.

India’s middle-order, led by Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur, has been a strong point in recent series, offering stability and late-order acceleration. With a balanced squad and a home advantage, India will be aiming to start the series on a strong note and maintain pressure throughout the five-match series.

Sri Lanka Women: The Underdogs with Potential

Ranked 7th in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings, Sri Lanka Women will be looking to make a statement in India. Led by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, the team has shown glimpses of its potential in recent encounters, particularly in tight contests. Athapaththu remains a key figure, not only with the bat but also with her calm leadership.

Sri Lanka’s batting line-up, featuring Hasini Perera, Nilakshika De Silva, and Kavisha Dilhari, has the ability to counter India’s pace attack if they start well. However, the team has struggled in the death overs in the past, and this match will test their ability to handle the pressure in the final overs.

The spin department, led by Inoka Ranaweera, could be a key asset on the flat Visakhapatnam track, where spinners have historically had a say. Sri Lanka will need to find a balance between their aggressive batting and disciplined bowling to stand a chance against a formidable India side.

Pitch and Weather Outlook

The Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium has been a consistent performer in T20 cricket, offering a fair balance between bat and ball. The surface is generally even, with some assistance for spinners in the latter stages of the innings. With the weather expected to be pleasant, the match is unlikely to face any interruptions.

Key Players to Watch

• India Women:

  • Harmanpreet Kaur – The captain’s experience and ability to finish games will be crucial.
  • Smriti Mandhana – A reliable opener who can anchor the innings.
  • Renuka Singh – The leg-spinner has been in fine form and can disrupt the Sri Lankan batting.

• Sri Lanka Women:

  • Chamari Athapaththu – The captain’s leadership and batting will be pivotal.
  • Hasini Perera – A destructive batter who can change the momentum of a match.
  • Inoka Ranaweera – A key spinner who can exploit the conditions.

Prediction

India Women are the clear favorites on paper, given their higher ranking, depth in the squad, and home advantage. However, Sri Lanka Women are a dangerous side in T20 cricket and have the capability to cause an upset, especially if they play to their potential.

Prediction: India Women to win by 6-8 runs.

Conclusion

The opening match of the Sri Lanka Women vs India Women T20I series is set to be a fascinating contest. While India are strong favorites, Sri Lanka will be looking to make a statement and take the game close. With both teams eager to make a mark, cricket fans can expect a high-quality match filled with action and intensity.

Catch the action on December 21, 2025 at 13:30 GMT, at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
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