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India And Sri Lanka Women Set For Historic T20 Showdown

Fresh off a World Cup win, India hosts Sri Lanka in a five-match T20 series as Thiruvananthapuram prepares for its first-ever women’s international cricket matches.

6 min read

The stage is set for a landmark moment in women’s cricket as the Sri Lanka women’s team prepares to embark on a five-match T20 International series against the reigning world champions, India, from December 21 to 30, 2025. The series will unfold across two vibrant Indian cities, Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram, promising a blend of history, fierce competition, and the promise of future stars.

For Indian cricket fans, this series is more than just another fixture on the calendar—it’s the first competitive outing for the Indian women’s team since their triumphant run in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup held earlier in November. The squad, still basking in the afterglow of their world-beating performance, now faces the challenge of shifting gears to the shortest format, with an eye on the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales. If there’s pressure, it’s the kind that comes with high expectations and the thrill of living up to them!

The Sri Lankan team, meanwhile, arrives in India with history and hope on their shoulders. This marks their first T20I series on Indian soil since 2016—a tour that ended with a 3-0 sweep in favor of the hosts. The memory of that whitewash may sting, but it also offers a powerful motivator for redemption. For Sri Lanka, the 2025 tour isn’t just about getting back on the field; it’s about measuring progress, building momentum, and setting the tone for a critical year ahead.

The tour’s itinerary is packed with significance. The action begins with the first two T20Is in Visakhapatnam on December 21 and 23. The port city is no stranger to high-stakes cricket, having recently hosted league matches and the Indian team’s pre-tournament camp ahead of their World Cup victory. Its familiar pitches and buzzing stands could provide the Indian side with a slight home advantage, but Sri Lanka’s players are eager to prove they can adapt and compete anywhere.

The series then shifts to Thiruvananthapuram for the remaining three matches on December 26, 28, and 30. Here’s where things get truly historic: Thiruvananthapuram, long a venue for men’s international and youth matches, will host women’s international cricket for the very first time. The city’s cricketing faithful are in for a treat, and the players themselves will be part of a milestone moment for the region. It’s not every day that a city writes a new chapter in its sporting legacy!

Both teams have plenty to play for. For India, the series is a chance to maintain the momentum of their World Cup win and test their bench strength ahead of the next major global tournament. The selectors and coaching staff will be watching closely, evaluating combinations, and perhaps even experimenting with new roles for emerging talent. After all, the road to the 2026 T20 World Cup starts now, and there’s no room for complacency in international cricket.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is searching for consistency and breakthroughs. Their last visit to India may have ended in disappointment, but the years since have seen the emergence of promising players and a growing sense of belief within the squad. The 2025 series offers a golden opportunity to upset the form book, challenge the world champions on their home turf, and send a message to the rest of the cricketing world.

Looking back, both teams have rich histories in T20 cricket. The Indian women’s team played their first-ever T20 International in 2006, beating England in England by eight wickets. That match, only the third T20I in women’s cricket history, saw Rumeli Dhar score an unbeaten 66—the first T20I half-century by an Indian woman—and Jhulan Goswami take two wickets for 14 runs. According to match reports, "Rumeli Dhar was adjudged the Player of the Match thanks to her match-winning 66 not out—the first T20I fifty ever scored by an Indian woman." The team’s evolution since then has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in their recent ODI World Cup triumph.

Sri Lanka’s journey in the format has had its own share of highs and learning curves. While they haven’t enjoyed the same level of global success as India, their commitment to developing women’s cricket has never wavered. Each series is a stepping stone, and the upcoming matches in India will be no exception. The Sri Lankan players are keenly aware of the challenge ahead but are equally determined to showcase their skills and resilience.

Cricket pundits and fans alike are buzzing with anticipation as the series approaches. The timing couldn’t be better—with the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup looming, every game, every run, and every wicket will be scrutinized for what it reveals about the teams’ readiness. The Indian side, playing in familiar conditions, might be favorites on paper, but cricket has a way of springing surprises. Can Sri Lanka turn the tables and script a new chapter in their rivalry?

The venues themselves add extra intrigue. Visakhapatnam, with its recent World Cup pedigree, offers a stage where big moments are almost expected. Meanwhile, Thiruvananthapuram’s debut as a women’s international venue brings fresh energy and the promise of packed stands cheering for history in the making. For young fans—especially girls watching from the stands or at home—the sight of top-level women’s cricket in their city could spark dreams that last a lifetime.

As the teams finalize their preparations, coaches and captains are well aware that these matches are about more than just the scorecard. They’re about building team culture, handling pressure, and seizing opportunities. The Indian squad, fresh from World Cup glory, will want to prove that their dominance extends across formats. Sri Lanka, with memories of 2016 still lingering, will be out to prove that the gap has narrowed and that they can compete with the best.

With the first ball set to be bowled on December 21 in Visakhapatnam, all eyes will be on the players who step up in key moments. Will a new star emerge? Can Sri Lanka break their Indian jinx? Or will the home side continue their winning ways in front of passionate crowds?

One thing’s for sure: as December draws to a close, fans across both nations—and around the cricketing world—will be watching every delivery, every boundary, and every celebration. The 2025 India-Sri Lanka women’s T20I series promises drama, history, and a glimpse into the future of the women’s game. Let the games begin!

Sources