Welcome to IPL Star, your go-to source for niche cricket news updates. Yesterday, on December 26, 2025, the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I turned into a showcase of India’s dominance in women’s cricket. At the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, India Women clinched the five-match series with a resounding eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka Women. Shafali Verma’s blistering unbeaten 79 off just 42 balls stole the show, powering India to victory with 40 balls to spare. This match not only highlighted India’s aggressive post-World Cup strategy but also exposed Sri Lanka’s ongoing batting struggles.
If you’re a cricket fan following the Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025, this INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I was a perfect example of why India is a force in T20 cricket. Harmanpreet Kaur’s team won the toss and chose to bowl, restricting Sri Lanka to 112/7. Then, the chase was all about Shafali’s fireworks. Let’s break it down step by step, from the toss to the final ball, with all the stats, highlights, and insights you need.
This series has been one-sided so far, with India leading 3-0. The first two games in Visakhapatnam saw similar patterns: tight bowling followed by explosive batting. In Thiruvananthapuram, the trend continued, but with even more flair. The venue, known for hosting football too, has a capacity of 50,000, and while the crowd wasn’t full, the energy was electric as India sealed the series early.
Why does this matter? For India, it’s about building momentum ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. After a mixed performance in recent global events, Harmanpreet and her squad are pushing for more aggression. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, is in a rebuilding phase, resting key players and testing youngsters. Captain Chamari Athapaththu admitted post-match that their batting needs work.
In this detailed recap, we’ll cover everything: the full scorecard in tables, innings breakdowns, key player performances, records shattered, post-match reactions, and what it means for the series. Stick around for over 4,000 words of pure cricket analysis, optimized for fans like you. If you’ve followed the series on IPL Star, check our internal links to the 1st T20I recap and 2nd T20I highlights for more.
INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I Match Summary: India’s Clinical Display Seals the Deal
The INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I was played on Friday, December 26, 2025, starting at 7:00 PM local time (1:30 PM GMT). India Women won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved spot on. Sri Lanka managed only 112/7 in 20 overs, thanks to stellar bowling from Renuka Singh Thakur (4/21) and Deepti Sharma (3/18). In reply, India chased it down in 13.2 overs, losing just two wickets.
The powerplay set the tone. Sri Lanka stumbled to 32/3, while India raced to 55/1. Shafali Verma was the star, contributing nearly 69% of India’s runs – a new record. This win gave Harmanpreet Kaur her 77th victory as captain, the most in women’s T20Is.
Broadcast details: Fans in India watched on Star Sports Network or streamed on JioHotstar. Umpires were Gayathri Venugopalan and N Janani, with Vrinda Rathi as third umpire and GS Lakshmi as referee.
For more on the live action ESPNcricinfo’s match page or Cricbuzz live scores.
Now, let’s look at the scorecards in detail.
Sri Lanka Women Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hasini Perera | 25 | 18 | 5 | 0 | 138.89 |
| Chamari Athapaththu (c) | 3 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 25.00 |
| Harshitha Samarawickrama | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Imesha Dulani | 27 | 32 | 4 | 0 | 84.38 |
| Nilakshika Silva | 4 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 44.44 |
| Kavisha Dilhari | 20 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 153.85 |
| Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk) | 19* | 16 | 2 | 0 | 118.75 |
| Malsha Shehani | 5 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 45.45 |
| Malki Madara | 1* | 5 | 0 | 0 | 20.00 |
| Extras | 6 (b 1, lb 2, w 3) | ||||
| Total | 112/7 (20 overs, RR: 5.6) |
Did not bat: Nimesha Madushani, Inoka Ranaweera.
India Women Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renuka Singh Thakur | 4 | 1 | 21 | 4 | 5.25 |
| Kranti Gaud | 4 | 0 | 22 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Deepti Sharma | 4 | 0 | 18 | 3 | 4.50 |
| Vaishnavi Sharma | 3 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 4.67 |
| Amanjot Kaur | 4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 5.75 |
| Shree Charani | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11.00 |
Fall of Wickets for Sri Lanka Women
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 | 4.3 | Chamari Athapaththu |
| 2 | 31 | 5.3 | Hasini Perera |
| 3 | 32 | 5.6 | Harshitha Samarawickrama |
| 4 | 45 | 9.3 | Nilakshika Silva |
| 5 | 85 | 13.5 | Kavisha Dilhari |
| 6 | 90 | 15.2 | Imesha Dulani |
| 7 | 98 | 17.4 | Malsha Shehani |
Powerplay: 0.1-6 overs, 32 runs, 3 wickets.
India Women Batting Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shafali Verma | 79* | 42 | 11 | 3 | 188.10 |
| Smriti Mandhana | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 16.67 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 9 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 60.00 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | 21* | 18 | 2 | 0 | 116.67 |
| Extras | 5 (lb 1, w 3, nb 1) | ||||
| Total | 115/2 (13.2 overs, RR: 8.62) |
Did not bat: Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani.
Sri Lanka Women Bowling Scorecard
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malsha Shehani | 2.2 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 12.00 |
| Malki Madara | 2 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 5.50 |
| Nimesha Madushani | 2 | 0 | 29 | 0 | 14.50 |
| Kavisha Dilhari | 3 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 6.00 |
| Inoka Ranaweera | 4 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 7.00 |
Fall of Wickets for India Women
| Wicket | Score | Over | Batter Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 27 | 3.2 | Smriti Mandhana |
| 2 | 67 | 7.6 | Jemimah Rodrigues |
Powerplay: 0.1-6 overs, 55 runs, 1 wicket.
These tables capture the essence of the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I. Sri Lanka’s innings was a story of starts without substance, while India’s was pure aggression.
Sri Lanka Women Innings Breakdown: A Struggle Against India’s Bowling Might
Sri Lanka’s batting in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I started with promise but quickly unraveled. They shuffled their openers, promoting Hasini Perera to partner Chamari Athapaththu. Perera looked sharp, hitting two boundaries off Renuka Singh’s first over, which cost 12 runs. But that was the highlight.
By the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka were 32/3. Deepti Sharma, introduced early, dismissed Athapaththu for 3 off 12 balls – a top-edge to mid-on. Renuka bounced back brilliantly, getting Perera caught at short third and Harshitha Samarawickrama caught and bowled.
The middle order tried to fight. Imesha Dulani, on debut, scored 27 off 32 with four boundaries. She partnered Kavisha Dilhari for 40 runs, the highest stand. Dilhari smashed a six off Kranti Gaud but fell to Deepti for 20.
Wickets kept tumbling. Renuka trapped Nilakshika Silva lbw for 4. Deepti claimed her 150th T20I wicket with Dilhari’s catch. India dropped a few catches – Dulani on 8, Nuthyangana on 4, Shehani on 5 – but Sri Lanka couldn’t capitalize.
Kaushani Nuthyangana finished unbeaten on 19, helping reach 112/7. It was a crawl, with only 5.6 runs per over. As per reports from ESPNCricinfo, this total was under par on a good batting track.
What went wrong for Sri Lanka? Their top order failed again. Athapaththu, usually explosive, looked out of sorts. The series has seen their batting average just over 100, a concern ahead of bilateral series and the World Cup.
Positives? Dulani’s composure and Dilhari’s intent. But overall, India’s bowlers were too good. Renuka’s variations – slower balls and inswing – were key. She mentioned working on them at the NCA for months.
This innings showed why India’s bowling is a strength. They ticked boxes in the powerplay, middle overs, and death. Harmanpreet praised the unit for breakthroughs.
For fans, it’s a reminder: In T20s, early wickets win games. Sri Lanka lost three in the first six overs, and recovery was tough.
Shafali Verma’s Masterclass: India Women’s Chase in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I
If Sri Lanka’s innings was a grind, India’s chase in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I was a sprint. Needing 113, they finished in 13.2 overs. Shafali Verma led the charge with an unbeaten 79 off 42 – 11 fours, 3 sixes, strike rate 188.10.
It started with fireworks. Facing Malsha Shehani, Shafali hit a six over long-on, then two fours. By over’s end, India had 14 runs. Smriti Mandhana struggled, lbw to Kavisha Dilhari for 1 off 6. A review failed.
But Shafali didn’t stop. Against debutant Nimasha Madushani (wait, Meepage in some reports? – confirmed as Madushani), she smashed boundaries. In the fifth over, she took 19 runs: drive, whip, six, lofted boundary.
Her fifty came in 24 balls – fastest in the series. Stats show her dominance vs spin: 72 off 36 (SR 200), vs pace: 7 off 6 (SR 116.7). Footwork breakdown: Back foot 17 off 10 (3 fours), front foot 30 off 22 (4 fours, 1 six), down the track 32 off 10 (4 fours, 2 sixes).
Jemimah Rodrigues scored 9 off 15 before bowled by Dilhari. A dropped catch off her didn’t hurt. By then, India were 67/2 in 8 overs.
Harmanpreet Kaur joined, scoring 21* off 18 with two fours. She rotated strike, letting Shafali finish. The winning runs came in 13.2 overs.
Shafali’s 79* is the highest by an Indian vs Sri Lanka in T20Is. She scored 68.69% of India’s runs – a national record, beating Harmanpreet’s 66.12% from 2011. This innings pushed her to No. 4 in India’s all-time T20I run-getters.
As Indian Express reported, it was “pretty much the same script” as prior games.
Shafali’s form? Sublime. 69* in game 2, now 79*. Her range – cuts, pulls, lofts – overwhelmed Sri Lanka. Dilhari took 2/18 but couldn’t stem the flow.
This chase underlines India’s batting depth. Even with Mandhana and Rodrigues failing, they won easily. For young fans, Shafali is the new star – aggressive, fearless.
Key Performers in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I: Stars Who Shone Bright
Every match has heroes. In this INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I, several stood out.
Renuka Singh Thakur: Player of the Match
Renuka’s 4/21 was game-changing. After a leaky first over, she took 4 wickets, including a maiden. Her inswing and slower balls troubled batters. Post-match, she said (translated): “I’m happy with four, but aiming for five. NCA practice helps.”
Deepti Sharma: Spin Wizard
3/18 in 4 overs, including her 150th T20I wicket. Joint-highest in women’s T20Is. She dismissed Athapaththu and Dilhari, controlling the middle.
Shafali Verma: Batting Phenomenon
79* – explosive, record-breaking. Her innings won the game single-handedly.
Kavisha Dilhari: Sri Lanka’s Bright Spot
2/18 with bat (20) and ball. Took Mandhana and Rodrigues.
Harmanpreet Kaur: Captain Fantastic
21* and leadership. Her 77th win as captain.
These performances, as highlighted in Times Now, show India’s all-round strength.
Records Broken and Milestones in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I
This match was milestone-heavy.
Shafali Verma Records
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Score vs SLW | 79* (previous: 76 by Rodrigues) |
| % of Team Runs | 68.69% (new India record) |
| All-Time Run-Getters | Rose to No. 4 for India |
Captaincy Wins
| Captain | Wins | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 77 | 130 |
| Meg Lanning | 76 | 100 |
| Heather Knight | 72 | 96 |
Harmanpreet now holds the record, including super overs.
Wins vs Single Team
Harmanpreet: 16 vs SLW (most).
Series Dominance
India’s 4th straight T20I series win vs SLW.
Deepti’s 150 T20I wickets ties the record.
These stats from ESPN add historical weight.
Post-Match Reactions and Quotes from INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I
Reactions poured in.
Renuka Singh: “Very happy… Working harder for five wickets. Jhulan di’s words inspire me.”
Harmanpreet Kaur: “Great series… Bowlers are key. Renuka’s comeback was superb.”
Chamari Athapaththu: “Not our best… Batting struggles. Positives from Dulani and Dilhari. Improving for World Cup.”
Social media buzzed. X posts praised Shafali: “Shafali on fire! #INDWvSLW”
From YouTube highlights, fans loved the chase.
Series Context: Sri Lanka Women Tour of India 2025 and India’s Dominance
The Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025 is a five-match T20I series. India leads 3-0, with games 4 and 5 on December 28 and 30 in Thiruvananthapuram.
Previous matches: Game 1 – India won by 7 wickets; Game 2 – by 5 wickets. Pattern: Bowl first, restrict, chase easy.
India’s strategy: Aggressive T20s post-World Cup. Bowling depth shines.
Sri Lanka: Resting 5-6 players, testing youth. Batting issues persist.
Next: India might rotate, Sri Lanka seek pride wins.
Key takeaways: India’s ready for big tournaments; Sri Lanka needs batting fixes.
For more series news, link to our series preview.
What’s Next and Key Takeaways from INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I
The 4th T20I is tomorrow, December 28, same venue. India could experiment; Sri Lanka aim for a win.
Takeaways: Bowling wins matches; young talents like Shafali inspire; series prep crucial.
Frequently Asked Questions about INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I
- Who won the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I match? India Women won the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I by 8 wickets with 40 balls remaining. Shafali Verma’s explosive unbeaten 79 powered India to chase down Sri Lanka’s 112/7 easily, sealing a dominant series-clinching victory in Thiruvananthapuram.
- What was Shafali Verma’s score in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? Shafali Verma scored an unbeaten 79 off 42 balls in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I, including 11 fours and 3 sixes. Her knock, which accounted for 68.69% of India’s runs, set a new Indian record and was the highest individual score against Sri Lanka Women in T20Is.
- What is the full scorecard of INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? In the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka scored 112/7 (Imesha Dulani 27, Renuka Singh Thakur 4/21, Deepti Sharma 3/18). India chased 115/2 in 13.2 overs (Shafali Verma 79*, Kavisha Dilhari 2/18). India sealed the win comfortably.
- Who was Player of the Match in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? Renuka Singh Thakur was named Player of the Match in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I for her brilliant 4/21. She overcame an expensive first over to dismantle Sri Lanka’s top order and help restrict them to a modest total.
- How did Deepti Sharma perform in India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I? Deepti Sharma took 3/18 in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I and reached her 150th T20I wicket milestone (joint-highest in women’s T20Is). Her spin bowling was crucial in breaking partnerships and controlling the middle overs.
- What records were broken in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? In the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I, Shafali Verma set an Indian record by scoring 68.69% of team runs in a completed innings. Harmanpreet Kaur achieved her 77th win as captain (most in women’s T20Is), surpassing Meg Lanning.
- What is the current series score after INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? After the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I, India Women lead 3-0 in the five-match Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025 T20I series. The dominant 8-wicket win sealed the series with two games to spare.
- Where was the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I played? The India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 3rd T20I was played at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on December 26, 2025. India won the toss and elected to bowl first.
- What were the key highlights of Shafali Verma 79 in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? Shafali Verma’s 79* in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I included a 24-ball fifty, brutal hitting against spin (SR 200), and starting the chase with a six and two fours in the first over. It powered India’s easy chase and continued her red-hot form.
- How did India seal the series in INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I? India sealed the series in the INDW vs SLW 3rd T20I through clinical bowling (Renuka 4/21, Deepti 3/18) restricting Sri Lanka to 112/7, followed by Shafali Verma’s match-winning 79*. This marked India’s fourth consecutive T20I series win over Sri Lanka.
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