India Women vs Sri Lanka Women – T20I Series 2025: Match Preview – 2nd T20I (23 December 2025)

Venue: Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Date & Time: 23 December 2025, 13:30 GMT / 18:30 IST
Series: 5-Match T20I Series
Format: T20I
Series Status: 1-0 (India Women lead after 1st T20I)

Match Preview

The second T20I of the Sri Lanka Women's tour of India in 2025 is set to take place at the ACAVDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on 23 December 2025. With the series already underway, this match presents an opportunity for Sri Lanka to level the series, while India look to maintain their momentum.

The ACAVDCA Stadium, a familiar venue for T20I cricket, has a history of producing competitive games, with balanced batting and bowling conditions. The surface usually supports both seam and spin, and the small dimensions can help aggressive batters capitalize on scoring opportunities.

India Women, led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur, have a well-balanced squad with a blend of youth and experience. Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues form a potent top order, while Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma provide crucial all-round support. The spin duo of Richa Ghosh and G Kamalini adds depth to the lower middle order, while Renuka Singh Thakur has been a reliable new-ball bowler.

Sri Lanka, captained by the ever-consistent Chamari Athapaththu, are looking to capitalize on their home-like conditions in India. Key performers like Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari will aim to anchor the innings, while spin bowler Inoka Ranaweera remains a key threat with the ball. The Lankan side will be looking to build on their performances from the first game and take the series into a decider.

Key Matchup

• Smriti Mandhana (IND) vs Inoka Ranaweera (SL): The battle between India's premier batter and Sri Lanka's dangerous spinner will be a key subplot. Mandhana’s ability to rotate the strike and clear the boundaries could test Ranaweera’s variations.
• Chamari Athapaththu (SL) vs Deepti Sharma (IND): Athapaththu’s calm demeanor at the crease could be a challenge for Deepti, who needs to maintain tight lines and exploit the conditions effectively.

Series So Far

In the first T20I, India showed their intent with a clinical performance, posting a competitive total and then defending it with a composed bowling and fielding display. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma were the standout performers with the bat, while Renuka Singh and Deepti Sharma were instrumental with the ball.

Sri Lanka, despite a good start from Chamari Athapaththu, struggled to build momentum after the powerplay and were bowled out for a below-par score. However, the Lankan side will take confidence from their fighting spirit and will look to correct their early mistakes in this match.

What to Watch For

• India's Top Order Consistency: The success of India’s innings often hinges on the performance of their top three. Smriti and Shafali need to continue their aggressive approach to set a challenging total.
• Sri Lanka's Spin Strategy: With the pitch likely to assist spin, Inoka Ranaweera and other spinners will look to exploit the middle overs and break key partnerships.
• Fielding Standards: Both teams have shown sharp fielding in the first match. Maintaining intensity in the field could be the difference between victory and defeat.
• Captain vs Captain: The tactical battle between Harmanpreet Kaur and Chamari Athapaththu will be crucial. Their leadership on the field could influence the outcome of the match.

Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

• India: Star Sports Network, JioCinema (formerly JioHotStar)
• USA & Canada: Willow TV via Sling TV
• Sri Lanka: Talent TV (official channel of ThinkCube Systems Pvt Limited)

Prediction

India Women have the edge in this encounter due to their strong batting depth and experienced bowling attack. However, Sri Lanka, with their spin-led strategy and fighting spirit, will aim to make it a close contest. A score of 155-160 for India with a target of 150-155 could be the benchmark for a thrilling match.

Predicted Winner: India Women
Margin: 6-8 runs

Final Thoughts

This second T20I promises to be an exciting clash of styles between two emerging powerhouses in women's cricket. With the ACAVDCA Stadium offering a fair and balanced surface, both teams will look to execute their game plans to perfection. As the series progresses, this match could prove to be a turning point in the contest between India and Sri Lanka.
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