India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Epic 68 Seals Dominant 5-0 Whitewash Triumph

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match delivered a fitting finale to a one-sided series, with the hosts clinching a hard-fought 15-run victory on December 30, 2025, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This win not only sealed a comprehensive 5-0 whitewash but also capped off a remarkable year for Indian women’s cricket, following their ODI World Cup triumph earlier in 2025. Led by skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s match-defining knock, India overcame early batting woes and defended a competitive total under dewy conditions, showcasing their depth and resilience.

The match was a testament to India’s growing dominance in women’s T20 cricket. After being put in to bat by Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, India stumbled to 77/5, raising questions about their top-order consistency. But Harmanpreet stepped up with a captain’s innings of 68 off 43 balls, blending caution and aggression to rebuild the innings. Her knock, laced with nine fours and one six, was crucial in pushing India to 175/7. Late cameos from Amanjot Kaur (21) and Arundhati Reddy (27 not out off just 11 balls) added the finishing touches, turning a modest score into a challenging one.

Sri Lanka, desperate to avoid a whitewash, put up their best batting display of the series. Hasini Perera’s fighting 65 and Imesha Dulani’s maiden T20I fifty of 50 formed a solid 79-run partnership, keeping the chase alive. However, India’s bowlers, with all six claiming a wicket each, turned the screws in the death overs. Deepti Sharma’s milestone wicket – her 152nd in T20Is, making her the format’s all-time leading wicket-taker – was a highlight, surpassing Australia’s Megan Schutt.

This victory marks India’s third 5-0 T20I series sweep, after similar feats against West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024. It’s also the first time they’ve achieved this at home in a bilateral series of this length. For cricket fans, especially those following women’s cricket on blogs like IPL Star, this match highlighted the evolution of the game. India, fresh from their ODI World Cup win under Harmanpreet’s leadership, showed they’re adapting seamlessly to T20 demands, focusing on higher strike rates and aggressive play as emphasized by their coaching staff.

Why was this match special? It wasn’t just about the result but the narratives woven in. Harmanpreet, who hadn’t crossed 21 in the previous four games, rose to the occasion in a crisis. Her dominance against left-arm spinners, scoring 31 off 17 balls from Inoka Ranaweera with 94% control, was a masterclass in footwork and placement. Arundhati’s late blitz, smashing four fours and a six, underlined India’s lower-order firepower – a key asset heading into the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and the 2026 T20 World Cup in England.

On the flip side, Sri Lanka showed glimpses of potential. Perera, in her 81st T20I, finally notched her maiden half-century, a reward for her persistence after debuting in 2014. Dulani’s confident 50, with eight boundaries in the powerplay, suggested emerging talent. Yet, their inability to capitalize on the dew and finish strong – collapsing from 132/4 to 140/7 – exposed gaps in power-hitting and death-over execution, areas Chamari Athapaththu flagged for improvement post-series.

The Greenfield International Stadium, with its 50,000 capacity and history of hosting thrilling encounters, provided a vibrant backdrop. The pitch offered early assistance to spinners but flattened out, making the chase feasible. Dew played a role in the second innings, aiding Sri Lanka’s early momentum, but India’s varied bowling attack – mixing spin and seam – proved decisive.

For IPL Star readers passionate about cricket updates, this series reinforces India’s status as a powerhouse. With the WPL around the corner, stars like Shafali Verma (Player of the Series) and Harmanpreet will carry this form into franchise cricket. Shafali’s consistent half-centuries earlier in the series set the tone, though her early dismissal here (5 off 6) was a rare blip.

As we delve deeper, let’s explore how this match unfolded. Was Harmanpreet’s knock the turning point, or did the bowlers steal the show? Stick around as we break it down with detailed analysis, stats in tables, and insights from experts. If you’re a cricket enthusiast, what stood out for you in this game? Share in the comments below!

This report draws from official sources like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, ensuring accurate details. Now, onto the full match summary.

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match Summary: Harmanpreet Leads 15-Run Victory

In the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit early conditions at the Greenfield International Stadium. The venue, known for its balanced pitches and also hosting football, saw a capacity crowd cheering under lights for this night game starting at 7:00 PM local time.

India posted 175/7 in 20 overs, built around Harmanpreet Kaur’s 68. Sri Lanka managed 160/7 in response, falling short by 15 runs despite strong fifties from their openers. This result completed India’s 5-0 series dominance, their first home whitewash in a five-match T20I bilateral.

Umpires Gayathri Venugopalan and Vrinda Rathi oversaw the game, with N Janani as third umpire and GS Lakshmi as referee. Broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, the match reached millions.

Key stats: India’s spinners took 17 wickets across the series at an economy of 6.65, compared to Sri Lanka’s 11 at 9.54. India now holds 25 wins over Sri Lanka in WT20Is, the most by any team against one opponent in the format.

Key Highlights and Turning Points

The India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match had several pivotal moments that swung the pendulum.

  • Early Struggles for India: After a solid powerplay in previous games, India managed only 40/2 in the first six overs – their lowest in the series. Shafali Verma fell for 5, caught at long-on off Nimasha Madushani, and debutant G Kamalini was lbw to Kavisha Dilhari for 12.
  • Middle-Order Collapse: Harleen Deol (13) was bowled by Rashmika Sewwandi, and Richa Ghosh (5) nicked one to the keeper off Athapaththu. Deepti Sharma (7) top-edged a sweep, leaving India at 77/5 in the 11th over.
  • Harmanpreet’s Rescue: Entering at 24/2, Harmanpreet anchored with smart play. She reached 50 off 35 balls, dominating spinners. A 61-run stand with Amanjot Kaur revived India.
  • Late Surge: Arundhati Reddy’s unbeaten 27 (4×4, 1×6) in 11 balls, including 32 runs in the last two overs, boosted the total to 175/7. Kavisha Dilhari (2-11) was Sri Lanka’s best bowler.
  • Sri Lanka’s Promising Start: Chasing 176, they lost Athapaththu (2) early, caught off Arundhati. But Perera and Dulani’s 79-run partnership off 56 balls kept them in hunt, reaching 48/1 in the powerplay.
  • Momentum Shift: Amanjot Kaur struck with her first ball, catching Dulani (50) at short third. Deepti trapped Nilakshika Silva (3) lbw for her record wicket.
  • Perera’s Fight: Hasini clubbed a four and six but was bowled by Shree Charani for 65. Sri Lanka needed 34 off two overs but managed 18, ending at 160/7.

These turns highlighted India’s composure under pressure. As per expert analysis on Cricbuzz, dew made defending tricky, but India’s fielding improved in the clutch.

What do you think – could Sri Lanka have won if they held onto the partnership longer? Let us know!

India Women Batting Innings: From Collapse to Recovery with Harmanpreet Kaur’s Masterclass

The India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match batting innings for India was a rollercoaster, starting with vulnerability but ending in triumph thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s heroics.

Top-Order Woes

India’s openers faced immediate pressure. Shafali Verma, fresh from a series of fifties, lofted Nimasha Madushani to long-on for 5. Debutant G Kamalini, replacing rested Smriti Mandhana, showed promise with two fours but was lbw to Dilhari’s first ball after a review upheld the decision.

Harleen Deol at No. 3 struck two boundaries but was bowled by Sewwandi for 13. Richa Ghosh edged Athapaththu to the keeper for 5, and Deepti was caught at short fine leg for 7. At 77/5, India needed a savior.

Captain’s Rescue Act

Harmanpreet Kaur arrived early and steadied the ship. Starting cautiously at 10 off 9, she accelerated with a flurry of boundaries. Her 68 included nine fours and one six, scored at 158.14 SR. She was particularly severe on Ranaweera, using footwork to score all around.

The 61-run fifth-wicket partnership with Amanjot Kaur (21 off 18, 1×4, 1×6) was vital, regaining momentum. Amanjot’s six off Athapaththu showed intent.

Death Overs Blitz

After Harmanpreet was bowled by Dilhari’s arm ball at 142/7, Arundhati Reddy unleashed. Promoted ahead of Sneh Rana, she smashed 27* with four fours and a six. Sneh added 8*, helping add 66 in the last five overs.

India reached 50 in 7.1 overs, 100 in 14.2, and 150 in 18.3. Extras (9) aided. Slow over-rate penalty in the final overs meant an extra fielder inside the circle for Sri Lanka.

Full scorecard below:

BatterRB4s6sSRDismissal
Shafali Verma561083.33c Dulani b Madushani
G Kamalini121220100.00lbw b Dilhari
Harleen Deol131120118.18b Sewwandi
Harmanpreet Kaur (c)684391158.14b Dilhari
Richa Ghosh (wk)561083.33c Nuthyangana b Athapaththu
Deepti Sharma780087.50c Madushani b Athapaththu
Amanjot Kaur211811116.67c Dilhari b Sewwandi
Arundhati Reddy271141245.45not out
Sneh Rana8610133.33not out
Extras9 (w 8, nb 1)
Total175/7 (20 overs, RR: 8.75)
BowlerOMRWECO
Malki Madara403709.20
Nimasha Madushani302518.30
Kavisha Dilhari201125.50
Inoka Ranaweera403909.80
Rashmika Sewwandi4042210.50
Chamari Athapaththu (c)302127.00

Fall of Wickets:

ScoreOverBatter
5-11.1Shafali Verma
27-24.1G Kamalini
41-36.2Harleen Deol
64-48.3Richa Ghosh
77-510.4Deepti Sharma
138-616.5Amanjot Kaur
142-717.4Harmanpreet Kaur

Partnerships (simplified):

  • Verma-Kamalini: 5 runs
  • Kamalini-Deol: 22 runs
  • Deol-Kaur: 14 runs
  • Kaur-Ghosh: 23 runs
  • Kaur-Sharma: 13 runs
  • Kaur-Amanjot: 61 runs
  • Kaur-Reddy: 4 runs
  • Reddy-Rana: 33 runs

Harmanpreet’s innings was praised by experts as a “well-paced masterclass.” It not only rescued India but set a tone for future challenges.

Sri Lanka Women Chase: Fighting Fifties in Vain as India Seal Win

The chase in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match saw Sri Lanka start aggressively but falter under pressure.

Promising Start

Needing 176, Sri Lanka lost Athapaththu (2) early, caught at mid-on off Arundhati. But Perera and Dulani countered with flair. Dulani’s 50 off 39 (8×4) included sweeps and advances, while Perera rotated strike. They added 79 off 56, reaching 50 in 6.2 overs.

Middle Overs Momentum Shift

At drinks (75/1 in 10), Sri Lanka were in contention. Dulani survived a review, but Amanjot’s first-ball wicket – Dulani caught by Shafali – broke the stand at 86/2. Deepti then lbw’d Silva (3) after review, hitting her record.

Death Overs Collapse

Perera reached 50 off 37, smashing Charani for 10 runs. But at 132/5, she was yorked for 65. Harshitha Samarawickrama (8) was caught off Sneh Rana, and a run-out added woes. Rashmika Sewwandi (14*) and Malki Madara (5*) couldn’t bridge the gap.

Sri Lanka hit 100 in 13.2 overs and 150 in 18.5 but lost from 132/4 to 140/7. Dew helped early, but India’s bowlers adapted.

Full scorecard:

BatterRB4s6sSRDismissal
Hasini Perera654281154.76b Charani
Chamari Athapaththu (c)250040.00c Sharma b Reddy
Imesha Dulani503980128.21c Verma b Amanjot
Nilakshika Silva350060.00lbw b Sharma
Kavisha Dilhari5410125.00b Vaishnavi
Harshitha Samarawickrama890088.89c Deol b Rana
Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk)130033.33run out (Kaur/Rana)
Rashmika Sewwandi14820175.00not out
Malki Madara5500100.00not out
Extras7 (b 4, w 3)
Total160/7 (20 overs, RR: 8.00)
BowlerOMRWECO
Deepti Sharma402817.00
Arundhati Reddy201618.00
Sneh Rana403117.80
Vaishnavi Sharma403318.20
Shree Charani403117.80
Amanjot Kaur201718.50

Fall of Wickets:

ScoreOverBatter
7-11.5Athapaththu
86-211.1Dulani
100-313.3Silva
107-414.3Dilhari
132-516.4Perera
140-617.4Nuthyangana
140-717.5Samarawickrama

Partnerships:

  • Perera-Athapaththu: 7 runs
  • Perera-Dulani: 79 runs
  • Perera-Silva: 14 runs
  • Perera-Dilhari: 7 runs
  • Perera-Samarawickrama: 25 runs
  • Samarawickrama-Nuthyangana: 8 runs
  • Samarawickrama-Sewwandi: 0 runs
  • Sewwandi-Madara: 20 runs

As NDTV Sports noted, Sri Lanka’s fifties went in vain due to late wickets.

Was 176 chaseable with dew? Yes, but India’s death bowling was spot on.

Standout Player Performances and Key Stats from the 5th T20I

Harmanpreet Kaur was the star of the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match, earning Player of the Match for her 68.

Her knock rescued India from trouble, marking her 12th POTM award, tying Mithali Raj’s record for India Women.

Hasini Perera’s 65 was valiant, her maiden T20I fifty in 81 games. Imesha Dulani’s 50 showed promise for Sri Lanka’s future.

Deepti Sharma’s wicket made her WT20I’s top bowler with 152 scalps.

Shafali Verma won Player of the Series for her earlier consistency, her third such award.

Key stats in tables:

Most POTM for India Women in T20Is:

PlayerAwards
Harmanpreet Kaur12
Mithali Raj12
Shafali Verma8
Smriti Mandhana8

Most POTS for India Women in T20Is:

PlayerAwards
Mithali Raj3
Harmanpreet Kaur3
Deepti Sharma3
Shafali Verma3

Series Spin Bowling:

TeamWicketsOversER
IND-W17606.65
SL-W11539.54

Most Wins vs Opponent (WT20Is):

TeamsWins
AUSW vs NZW33
ENGW vs NZW32
AUSW vs INDW26
INDW vs SLW25
ENGW vs INDW24

Post-match quotes:

Harmanpreet: “2025 has been great… It’s about repeating good habits.” (Translated from interview).

Shafali: “My work paid off… Aim to play long innings.”

Athapaththu: “We need to improve power-hitting… Youngsters did well.”

These performances boost India ahead of WPL.

Sri Lanka Women Tour of India 2025: How India Achieved the 5-0 Whitewash

The Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025 T20I series was a showcase of India’s superiority.

Match 1: India won by 8 wickets (SL 120/8, IND 121/2; Jemimah Rodrigues 69*).

Match 2: India won by 7 wickets (SL 138/5, IND 139/3; Shafali 50+).

Match 3: India won by 8 wickets (SL 110/9, IND 111/2; Shafali half-century).

Match 4: India won by 30 runs (IND 200/4, SL 170/7; Shafali 78).

Match 5: As detailed, 15-run win.

India’s strengths: Batting depth, spin variety. Weaknesses: Occasional fielding lapses, but minimal impact.

Sri Lanka’s positives: Youngsters like Dulani. Challenges: Senior inconsistency, power-hitting.

This whitewash, India’s third 5-0, prepares them for Australia tour (Feb-Mar 2026: 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs, 1 Test) and England (May-Jun: 3 T20Is), leading to T20 WC.

For IPL Star, linking to our IPL coverage: As WPL nears, watch how these stars perform. Check our article on “WPL 2026 Preview” for more.

Full series stats on ESPNcricinfo.

Conclusion: A Dominant End to 2025 for India Women Cricket

The India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match epitomized India’s 2025 – triumphant and trend-setting. Harmanpreet Kaur’s masterclass sealed the 5-0 whitewash, boosting morale for upcoming challenges.

This series highlighted growth in women’s cricket, with records broken and talents emerging. For fans, it’s exciting times ahead.

Who was your standout player? Comment below and subscribe to IPL Star for more cricket updates!

India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 4th T20I: Dominant 30-Run Victory Seals Unbeatable 4-0 Lead!

FAQs: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match

1. What was the result of the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match? India Women won by 15 runs, posting 175/7 and restricting Sri Lanka to 160/7. India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I This victory completed the India Women 5-0 whitewash in the series on December 30, 2025, at Greenfield International Stadium Thiruvananthapuram.

2. How did Harmanpreet Kaur perform in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match? Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored a match-winning 68 off 43 balls (9 fours, 1 six), rescuing India from 77/5. India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Her knock earned her Player of the Match in this decisive game.

3. Who scored fifties for Sri Lanka in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match?Hasini Perera hit 65 off 42 balls (her maiden T20I fifty), and Imesha Dulani scored 50 off 39. Their 79-run partnership kept the chase alive but wasn’t enough.

4. What milestone did Deepti Sharma achieve during the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match?Deepti Sharma took a key wicket to surpass Megan Schutt, becoming the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20Is with 152 wickets – a historic moment in the match.

5. Where was the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match played? The match took place at Greenfield International Stadium Thiruvananthapuram, a 50,000-capacity venue that hosted the series finale under lights with dew playing a role.

6. Why is the India Women 5-0 whitewash significant after the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match? This was India’s third 5-0 T20I series sweep and their first at home in a five-match bilateral, capping a dream 2025 after their ODI World Cup win.

7. Who won Player of the Series in the Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025 following the 5th T20I? Shafali Verma was named Player of the Series for her consistent batting, despite an early dismissal in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match.

8. How did India’s lower order contribute in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match? Arundhati Reddy smashed 27* off 11 balls, and Amanjot Kaur scored 21, helping add 66 runs in the last five overs to reach 175/7.

9. What were the key bowling performances in the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match? All six Indian bowlers took a wicket each, with Kavisha Dilhari (2-11) best for Sri Lanka. Amanjot Kaur’s first-ball breakthrough shifted momentum.

10. How does the India Women 5-0 whitewash impact preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup? The dominant series, highlighted by the India Women vs Sri Lanka Women 5th T20I Match, boosts India’s confidence with strong batting depth and spin attack ahead of WPL and the World Cup in England.

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