India is gearing up for their first T20I series since winning the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. After a successful World Cup campaign on home soil, the focus now shifts to the shortest format of the game. The series against Sri Lanka, which kicks off with the first T20I in Visakhapatnam, marks the start of a crucial five-match series. This series is not only an opportunity for India to build momentum but also serves as a key part of their preparation for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
India’s Aggressive T20I Approach
Since their early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has embraced a more aggressive approach in T20I cricket. With players like Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, and Shafali Verma all striking at over 140, India’s batting unit is built to dominate from the start. Their aggressive tactics have translated into results, with five wins from eight T20Is this year, including a 3-2 series win over England. Mandhana, in particular, has been in outstanding form, amassing 414 runs since the 2024 World Cup at an impressive strike rate of 146.80. India will look to continue this aggressive trend as they head into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While the batting line-up seems to be settled, India’s bowling department remains a point of interest. With Radha Yadav, a key bowler in recent times, missing out on the squad, young left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma could make her debut. The bowling attack will feature a combination of seamers and spinners, with Renuka Singh returning to the squad.
Sri Lanka’s Youthful Squad and Future Focus
Sri Lanka enters the series with a slightly different set of priorities. Their most recent T20I action was in March 2024 against New Zealand, where they played out a 1-1 draw in a three-match series. Since then, Sri Lanka has moved on from several senior players and is now focused on developing their young talent. For them, this series against India is more about assessing how the new generation performs under pressure, with an eye on future international assignments, including tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Shashini Gimhani, an exciting young talent, has been one of the standout performers for Sri Lanka. The ambidextrous spinner has impressed with strong performances in recent series and will be a key player to watch in the upcoming matches. Alongside her, Sri Lanka’s squad includes other promising players like Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and the experienced Chamari Athapaththu, who will lead the team.
Key Players to Watch
Smriti Mandhana: India’s Star T20I Batter
Since the 2024 World Cup, Smriti Mandhana has been in exceptional form in T20I cricket. With 414 runs, including a century and four half-centuries, she has been India’s most consistent performer in the format. Her strike rate of 146.80 makes her one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format of the game. After her impressive World Cup campaign, Mandhana will look to carry this form into the T20 series against Sri Lanka and beyond.
Shashini Gimhani: Sri Lanka’s Rising Star
Shashini Gimhani is a young, ambidextrous spinner who has already caught the attention of many with her impressive performances. Gimhani has taken six wickets in five T20Is, maintaining an economy rate of just 5.53. With left-arm wrist-spin being her primary weapon, she will be a key figure for Sri Lanka as they look to compete with the strong Indian side.
India’s Probable XI
- Shafali Verma
- Smriti Mandhana
- Jemimah Rodrigues
- Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)
- Amanjot Kaur
- Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper)
- Deepti Sharma
- Sneh Rana / Vaishnavi Sharma
- Kranti Gaud / Arundhati Reddy
- Renuka Singh
- N Shree Charani
Sri Lanka’s Probable XI
- Chamari Athapaththu (captain)
- Vishmi Gunaratne
- Harshitha Samarawickrama
- Kavisha Dilhari
- Nilakshika Silva
- Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper)
- Manudi Nanayakkara
- Inoka Ranaweera / Nimasha Madushani
- Inoshi Priyadharshani
- Shashini Gimhani
- Malki Madara
Match Conditions and Forecast
Visakhapatnam has hosted six women’s T20Is, with the average first-innings total being 115. However, the pitch has shown signs of being high-scoring during the recent ODI World Cup. Dew could play a role in the second half of the match, so batting first may be a preferable option for both teams. The weather is expected to be sunny, with temperatures around 23°C at the start of the match.
Stats and Trivia
- Smriti Mandhana is one of only four batters from Full Member nations to have scored a T20I hundred since the last T20 World Cup.
- Chamari Athapaththu is the only Sri Lanka player from the current squad who has previously played a T20I in Visakhapatnam.
- Harmanpreet Kaur has struggled with the bat recently, with a strike rate of 106.84 since November 2024.
As India and Sri Lanka begin their T20I series, it promises to be an exciting contest. For India, it is an important opportunity to test their aggressive new approach in preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s youthful squad will look to gain valuable experience ahead of their future international assignments.
