The Indian women’s cricket team is set to return to the international stage in electrifying fashion, fresh off their historic ICC Women’s ODI World Cup victory earlier this month. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced a five-match T20 International (T20I) series against Sri Lanka, beginning December 21, 2025. For fans and players alike, this series is more than just a return to action—it’s the first stride on the long road toward the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled for June in England.
After the originally scheduled Bangladesh tour was postponed due to political tensions, the BCCI swiftly confirmed Sri Lanka as the next opponent, ensuring India’s December window remained packed with high-stakes cricket. The series will unfold over ten days, with the first two T20Is hosted at Visakhapatnam on December 21 and 23. The action then shifts to Thiruvananthapuram, where the final three encounters are slated for December 26, 28, and 30. This split-venue approach not only offers both cities a slice of the cricketing buzz but also gives the team a chance to test their mettle in varying conditions.
India’s return to competitive cricket comes on the heels of a monumental achievement. On November 2, 2025, they clinched their maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup title at the DY Patil Stadium, defeating South Africa by 52 runs in a final that will be etched in memory for years to come. The triumph shattered their ICC title drought and injected a fresh wave of confidence into the squad. Now, with the T20I format demanding sharper adaptability and quicker decision-making, all eyes are on Harmanpreet Kaur and her team to see if they can translate their 50-over dominance into the game’s shortest format.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announces the schedule for the upcoming IDFC FIRST Bank Women's T20I series as India hosts Sri Lanka for a five-match contest next month. The series will begin in Visakhapatnam before moving to Thiruvananthapuram for the remaining fixtures," BCCI said in an official statement, underscoring the importance of this series as a launchpad for World Cup preparations.
There’s no denying the stakes. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup looms large on the horizon, and this series is India’s first formal step in building the squad and strategy for that marquee event. After an early and disappointing exit in the 2024 T20 World Cup, India regrouped and rebuilt momentum with hard-fought series victories against West Indies (2–1) and England (3–2). Those wins, coupled with the World Cup triumph, have lifted expectations from fans, pundits, and the players themselves. Consistency and squad depth will be crucial, and this five-match series offers a timely opportunity to experiment with team combinations, refine player roles, and maintain the competitive rhythm that’s so vital in international cricket.
On paper, the Women in Blue hold a clear advantage. India boasts a dominant record against Sri Lanka, winning 20 out of their 26 T20I encounters. Sri Lanka’s last win on Indian soil dates all the way back to 2014—ironically at Visakhapatnam, the very venue for the series opener. That historical nugget adds a layer of intrigue: can Sri Lanka conjure up another upset at a ground that once smiled on them, or will India’s recent form and home advantage prove too much?
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose leadership has been instrumental in India’s recent successes, has spoken candidly about the team’s journey and ambitions. In a recent interview, she reflected on their World Cup campaign, stating, "It was a dream come true for all of us, but now our focus shifts to the T20 format. We know the expectations are high, and we’re determined to keep raising our standards." Her words echo the sentiment in the dressing room: past glories are to be cherished, but the hunger for more silverware is undiminished.
The upcoming series is also significant for its timing. After this five-match contest, the players will turn their attention to Season 4 of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), set for January and February 2026. The WPL has quickly become a key fixture in the women’s cricket calendar, providing invaluable experience and exposure to domestic and international stars. Following the WPL, India faces a challenging all-format tour of Australia in February-March 2026, featuring one Test, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and three T20Is. The team will then host England in a home series in May, both assignments serving as crucial tune-ups ahead of the T20 World Cup.
For the Sri Lankan side, the series is a test of resilience and opportunity. While their record against India is less than flattering, the visitors will be eager to capitalize on any chinks in the Indian armor and perhaps rewrite history at Visakhapatnam. With the T20 World Cup also on their radar, Sri Lanka’s players will be keen to make a statement and disrupt India’s preparations.
Fans can expect a blend of youth and experience as India looks to solidify its bench strength. The T20I format is unforgiving—one over, one spell, or one cameo can tilt the balance. This series, therefore, is more than a routine bilateral—it’s a laboratory for tactics, temperament, and talent. India’s selectors will be watching closely, as will rival teams, to see which players emerge as potential game-changers for the global stage.
It’s not just about the cricket, either. The return of international women’s matches to Visakhapatnam and Thiruvananthapuram is a boost for local fans and the broader push to promote women’s sports in India. The anticipation is palpable, with tickets expected to sell out quickly and a new generation of aspiring cricketers looking to their heroes for inspiration.
As the countdown to December 21 begins, the narrative is set: India, the newly-crowned world champions, are back in action, hungry for more. Sri Lanka, the perennial underdogs, have a point to prove. And for cricket lovers, a feast of high-octane T20 action awaits. The journey to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 starts now, and every ball, every run, and every wicket in this series will shape the path ahead.
With the schedule locked in and preparations underway, all that remains is for the players to take the field and let their cricket do the talking. If recent history is any guide, expect fireworks, drama, and perhaps a few surprises as India and Sri Lanka reignite their rivalry in the shortest format of the game.
