Quick Read
- India Women won the 4th T20I, maintaining a clean sweep over Sri Lanka.
- Smriti Mandhana became the fastest woman to reach 10,000 international runs in just 280 innings.
- Shafali Verma and Mandhana built a record 162-run opening partnership, the highest for India in T20Is.
At the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, December 28, 2025, the India Women’s cricket team delivered a performance that was as clinical as it was historic. With the series already in their pocket, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side came out swinging in the 4th T20I against Sri Lanka—setting new records and underlining the gulf between the two teams.
After Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and chose to bowl, Indian openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana seized the initiative. Their intent was clear from the first over, finding the boundary with crisp, confident strokes. By the end of the powerplay, the scoreboard read 61/0—every over yielding at least two boundaries, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers searching for answers that never came.
As the innings progressed, the dominance only intensified. Mandhana and Verma’s partnership flourished, each reaching their half-century at a brisk pace. In a stretch that saw India accelerate from 100 to 150 runs in just 21 balls, both batters showcased not just skill but supreme composure. The duo ultimately stitched together a 162-run opening stand—the highest for India in T20Is—shattering their own previous record and leaving the Sri Lankan attack shell-shocked.
Mandhana’s innings was more than just a display of power hitting. With her 27th run, she became the fastest woman ever to reach 10,000 international runs, surpassing Indian legend Mithali Raj by achieving the milestone in 280 innings—11 fewer than her predecessor. The significance of this achievement was not lost on the crowd or her teammates. In that moment, Mandhana’s journey was a beacon for aspiring cricketers across India, symbolizing both consistency and flair at the highest level. NDTV Sports and Indian Express highlighted the magnitude of this feat.
Shafali Verma, meanwhile, continued her own remarkable form, notching her third consecutive half-century in the series before departing for a commanding 79 off 46 balls. Her aggression set the tone, her boundaries punctuating every Sri Lankan attempt at containment. When Nimasha Meepage finally broke the partnership with a caught-and-bowled dismissal, the damage was already done—India had built an impregnable platform.
After Verma’s exit, Richa Ghosh joined Mandhana in the middle, keeping the tempo high with confident strokes. Though Mandhana would fall soon after, the Indian total was already towering over Sri Lanka’s previous efforts in the series. The batting display was not just about individual brilliance; it was about a collective mindset. India were batting first not out of necessity, but to challenge themselves—a luxury afforded by their series lead and the depth of their squad.
The bowling side of India’s game has been equally ruthless throughout the series. Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma have consistently suffocated Sri Lanka’s batting, never allowing them to build momentum. In the first three T20Is, no Sri Lankan batter crossed the 40-run mark—a testament to the relentless pressure applied by India’s attack. The rotation of players, including resting Kranti Gaud and Jemimah Rodrigues (who was sidelined by illness), gave opportunities to Harleen Deol and Arundhati Reddy, but standards never dipped.
Sri Lanka, for their part, have shown flashes of promise. Captain Athapaththu’s honesty after defeat—“Our power game is not good enough for this format”—spoke volumes about their challenges. The middle order has struggled, and finishing games with authority remains elusive. Their decision to bowl first was an attempt to exploit the dew and make chasing easier, but India’s batting firepower rendered those calculations moot.
The pitch in Thiruvananthapuram was described as batting-friendly early on, offering value for shots under lights. Spinners were expected to find more grip as the match progressed, but India’s openers made the most of the conditions before any such shift could occur. With temperatures hovering around 24°C and only light cloud cover, the weather posed no obstacles to an evening of cricket that belonged entirely to the hosts. Economic Times provided detailed match conditions and predicted lineups.
As the series heads toward its conclusion, India’s focus is already shifting to the future. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the team is testing combinations and building depth. Players like 17-year-old wicketkeeper G Kamalini are on the radar for opportunities, underlining the forward-thinking approach of the management.
For Sri Lanka, the path forward is clear but steep. The need to strengthen the middle order and develop finishing power is urgent if they are to compete with the likes of India on the global stage. The series has exposed gaps, but also provided lessons that could shape their next chapter.
In a contest where India’s dominance was never in doubt, it was the stories within the game—the record-breaking partnership, Mandhana’s world record, the emergence of new talent—that made the 4th T20I more than just another win. It was a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the pursuit of new heights.
India’s emphatic performance in the 4th T20I was not just about numbers—it was a statement of intent. Mandhana’s milestone, Verma’s explosive batting, and the team’s strategic depth signal a squad poised for long-term success. For Sri Lanka, the challenge now is transformation. The gap is wide, but the lessons are clear. As the dust settles, one thing remains certain: Indian women’s cricket is setting the pace, and the world is watching.