INDW vs SLW 1st T20I match report kicks off with an absolute masterclass from India Women. On a cool evening in Visakhapatnam, the reigning ODI World Cup champions showcased why they’re a force in women’s cricket. Fresh from their 2025 ODI triumph, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team delivered a clinical performance, restricting Sri Lanka Women to a modest 121/6 before chasing it down with ease for an eight-wicket victory. Jemimah Rodrigues stole the spotlight with her unbeaten 69, blending precision and power to seal the deal.
This match, the opener of the five-match T20I series during the Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025, highlighted India’s seamless transition to the shortest format. Played at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on December 21, 2025, it drew fans eager for high-octane action. With dew playing a role and a batting-friendly pitch, India’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely.
In this detailed INDW vs SLW 1st T20I match report, we’ll break down every aspect – from the toss to the post-match reactions. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or new to women’s T20 cricket, this analysis keeps it simple, engaging, and packed with insights. Let’s dive in!
Series Context: Sri Lanka Women Tour of India 2025 Overview
The Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025 is a crucial buildup for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup in England. India, buoyed by their recent ODI success, aims to dominate at home. Historically, India leads the T20I head-to-head 20-5 against Sri Lanka, with one no-result. This series, featuring five T20Is, tests new talent and refines strategies.
The first game set the tone: India Women vs Sri Lanka Women in Visakhapatnam. With matches shifting to Thiruvananthapuram later, this tour emphasizes adaptation to varying conditions. For Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, it’s a chance to upset the hosts and build momentum.
Key focus for India: Integrating debutants like Vaishnavi Sharma while relying on stars like Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma. Sri Lanka seeks batting aggression after recent inconsistencies.
INDW vs SLW 1st T20I Toss and Pitch Report: Why India Chose to Bowl First
Harmanpreet Kaur won the toss and opted to bowl, citing expected dew that would make chasing easier. The ACA-VDCA pitch, with a capacity of 28,000, is known for high scores but offers spin grip. Ends like Vizzy and DV Subba Rao favor pace early.
Conditions: Sunny day turning cool evening, with dew impacting grip. Pitch report suggested a par score of 150+, but India’s bowlers kept it low. Umpires Ankita Guha and Gayathri Venugopalan oversaw, with N Janani as third umpire.
Broadcast: Streamed on JioHotstar, televised on Star Sports – perfect for fans worldwide.
Sri Lanka Women Innings: A Struggle for Momentum Against India’s Tight Bowling
Sri Lanka Women batted first but couldn’t capitalize on a decent start. Their innings totaled 121/6 in 20 overs, a below-par effort given the conditions. Vishmi Gunaratne’s 39 was the highlight, but lack of acceleration hurt.
Opening with Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, Sri Lanka started positively. Athapaththu smashed three boundaries but fell early to Kranti Gaud’s clever angle switch. Gaud, preferred over Renuka Singh, bowled a nipping 109.2kph delivery for her maiden T20I wicket.
Gunaratne anchored, scoring 39 off 43 with one four and a six. Hasini Perera (20 off 23) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (21 off 23) built partnerships but failed to accelerate. A sharp bouncer from Amanjot Kaur hit Samarawickrama’s helmet, pausing play for a concussion check – she resumed but couldn’t push on.
India’s spinners dominated the middle overs. Deepti Sharma started with a maiden, finishing 1/20. Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma was economical at 0/16. Shree Charani took 1/30, dismissing Samarawickrama.
Fielding mixed: Sharp run-outs by Gaud and others, but drops by Charani (twice), Mandhana, and Rodrigues. Despite reprieves, Sri Lanka managed only 30 runs in the last four overs.
Why below-par? Dew increased, making batting second easier, as Harmanpreet predicted. Sri Lanka’s defensive approach in T20 format proved costly.
Sri Lanka Women Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vishmi Gunaratne | 39 | 43 | 1 | 1 | 90.70 |
| Chamari Athapaththu (c) | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 125.00 |
| Hasini Perera | 20 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 86.96 |
| Harshitha Samarawickrama | 21 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 91.30 |
| Nilakshi de Silva | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Kavisha Dilhari | 6 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 120.00 |
| Kaushani Nuthyangana (wk) | 9* | 6 | 1 | 0 | 150.00 |
Extras: 3 (b1, w2) Total: 121/6 (20 overs, RR: 6.05)
India Women Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kranti Gaud | 3 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 7.70 |
| Arundhati Reddy | 4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 5.80 |
| Deepti Sharma | 4 | 1 | 20 | 1 | 5.00 |
| Vaishnavi Sharma | 4 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 4.00 |
| Shree Charani | 4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 7.50 |
| Amanjot Kaur | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8.00 |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Athapaththu) | 18 | 2.5 |
| 2 (Perera) | 49 | 9.1 |
| 3 (Samarawickrama) | 87 | 15.3 |
| 4 (Gunaratne) | 103 | 17.5 |
| 5 (de Silva) | 108 | 18.3 |
| 6 (Dilhari) | 121 | 20.0 |
Partnerships
| Partners | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Gunaratne & Athapaththu | 18 | 17 |
| Gunaratne & Perera | 31 | 38 |
| Gunaratne & Samarawickrama | 38 | 38 |
| Gunaratne & de Silva | 16 | 14 |
| de Silva & Dilhari | 5 | 4 |
| Dilhari & Nuthyangana | 13 | 9 |
Powerplay: 0.1-6 overs, 31 runs, 1 wicket. Drinks: 49/2 in 9.1 overs. Milestones: 50 in 9.3 overs, 100 in 17.4 overs.
This innings exposed Sri Lanka’s need for more aggression. As Athapaththu later said, “We have to play positive cricket in the middle.”
India Women Innings: A Smooth Chase Led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ Brilliance
Chasing 122, India Women finished at 122/2 in 14.4 overs – a cakewalk. Shafali Verma fell early for 9 (off 5, two fours), caught off Kawya Kavindi. But that was Sri Lanka’s only early joy.
Smriti Mandhana (25 off 25, four fours) and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied with a 54-run stand. Mandhana reached her milestone – first Indian woman to 4,000 T20I runs, second overall after Suzie Bates. She did it in 3,227 balls, faster than Bates’ 3,675. Mandhana fell to Inoka Ranaweera, holing out.
Enter Jemimah Rodrigues at No. 3 – her 100th T20I. She smashed 69* off 44 (10 fours), her 14th T20I fifty in 34 balls. Dominant vs spin (52 off 31, SR 167.74), she used cuts (16 runs from six attempts) and footwork masterfully. With Harmanpreet Kaur (15* off 16), they added 55* to finish with 32 balls spare.
Rodrigues’ innings: 45 offside runs (SR 225), back-foot 31 off 15 (SR 206.67). This was India’s first T20I with 50+ stands for 2nd and 3rd wickets.
Sri Lanka’s bowling lacked bite: Gimhani leaked 32 in two overs, Ranaweera 1/17 economical but lone threat.
India Women Scorecard
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana | 25 | 25 | 4 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Shafali Verma | 9 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 180.00 |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 69* | 44 | 10 | 0 | 156.82 |
| Harmanpreet Kaur (c) | 15* | 16 | 0 | 0 | 93.75 |
Extras: 4 (w2, nb2) Total: 122/2 (14.4 overs, RR: 8.32)
Sri Lanka Women Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malki Madara | 2 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 9.50 |
| Kawya Kavindi | 3 | 0 | 20 | 1 | 6.70 |
| Chamari Athapaththu | 2 | 0 | 16 | 0 | 8.00 |
| Shashini Gimhani | 2 | 0 | 32 | 0 | 16.00 |
| Inoka Ranaweera | 3.4 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 4.60 |
| Kavisha Dilhari | 2 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 9.00 |
Fall of Wickets
| Wicket | Score | Over |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Verma) | 13 | 1.2 |
| 2 (Mandhana) | 67 | 8.1 |
Partnerships
| Partners | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Mandhana & Verma | 13 | 8 |
| Mandhana & Rodrigues | 54 | 41 |
| Rodrigues & Kaur | 55* | 39 |
Powerplay: 0.1-6 overs, 55 runs, 1 wicket. Drinks: 79/2 in 10 overs. Milestones: 50 in 5.4 overs, 100 in 11.6 overs. Rodrigues 50 in 34 balls.
Rodrigues’ knock dispelled No. 3 debates, as ESPNcricinfo noted. Her mindset: “React to the ball, play according to merit.”
Key Performances: Standout Players and Records Broken
Jemimah Rodrigues earned Player of the Match for her 69*. She equaled Mithali Raj’s four 50+ scores vs Sri Lanka in T20Is.
Smriti Mandhana’s 4,000 T20I runs: A landmark, celebrated widely.
Kranti Gaud: Maiden wicket, sharp run-out.
Vaishnavi Sharma: Debut 0/16 – impressive economy.
Deepti Sharma: 1/20, controlled middle.
Records: India’s sixth win in 10 post-2024 T20 WC games. First with dual 50+ stands for 2nd/3rd wickets.
Key Stats Table
| Stat | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Scorer (SL) | Vishmi Gunaratne 39 |
| Highest Scorer (IND) | Jemimah Rodrigues 69* |
| Best Bowler (IND) | Vaishnavi Sharma 0/16 |
| Best Bowler (SL) | Inoka Ranaweera 1/17 |
| Milestones | Mandhana 4,000 T20I runs; Rodrigues 100th T20I |
| Run Rate | SL 6.05; IND 8.32 |
These performances underline India’s depth.
Fielding Analysis: Drops Didn’t Cost, But Room for Improvement
India dropped four catches – joint-most in a women’s T20I – yet won comfortably. Charani’s two drops, Mandhana’s sitter (leading to Gunaratne’s six), Rodrigues’ tough chance.
Positives: Run-outs kept pressure. Harmanpreet: “Fielding is something we’re working hard on… these things can cost in crucial matches.”
Sri Lanka fielded well, with Gimhani’s catch off Verma.
Post-Match Reactions: Captains and Players Speak Out
Jemimah Rodrigues: “100 percent on extending form. Mindset simple – react to the ball. Conditions slightly sticky, but I was in good touch.” On Gimhani: “A rising star for Sri Lanka.”
Harmanpreet Kaur: “Happy with bat and ball. Fielding needs better approach. Dew was there, but no excuse. Wanted to bowl first to avoid unnecessary challenges.”
Chamari Athapaththu: “120 not enough. Need positive cricket, adjust to conditions. Trust youngsters to step up.”
These quotes reflect optimism and lessons learned.
Series Outlook: What’s Next for INDW vs SLW?
India leads 1-0. Second T20I: December 23 in Visakhapatnam. Remaining games in Thiruvananthapuram.
India: Fix fielding, build on momentum for 2026 T20 WC.
Sri Lanka: Boost batting, exploit any Indian rust (50 days post-ODI WC).
Fan tip: Watch for Athapaththu’s comeback, Rodrigues’ consistency.
Venue Spotlight: ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Home to Andhra, this 28,000-seater hosted its first women’s T20I here. Known for dew, it favors chases. Hosts: Andhra Cricket Association.
Player Profiles: Shining Stars from the Match
Jemimah Rodrigues: Mumbai batter, 25, known for flair. 100 T20Is, average 30+. Masterclass here cements her spot.
Smriti Mandhana: Vice-captain, elegant left-hander. 4,000+ runs, strike rate 120+. Milestone adds to legacy.
Chamari Athapaththu: Sri Lanka’s all-round icon. Aggressive, but early dismissal hurt.
Kranti Gaud: Emerging pacer, maiden wicket boosts confidence.
These profiles add depth for fans.
Broader Impact: Women’s Cricket Growth in India
This match highlights rising popularity. Post-ODI WC win, viewership surges. Series promotes gender equality in sport.
For full stats, visit ESPNcricinfo.
Quick Answers for INDW vs SLW 1st T20I Fans
Who won IND-W vs SL-W 1st T20I? India by 8 wickets.
What was Jemimah Rodrigues’ score? 69 not out.
Smriti Mandhana’s milestone? 4,000 T20I runs.
Next match date? December 23, 2025.
Engage below: Share your thoughts on Rodrigues’ innings!
INDW vs SLW T20I Series 2025: 5 Epic Matches Await – Ultimate Preview Guide!
Conclusion: India’s Dominance Sets High Bar
IND-W vs SL-W 1st T20I match report wraps with India’s epic win. Clinical bowling, Rodrigues’ masterclass – a perfect start. As series progresses, expect more thrills. Stay tuned to IPL Star for updates!
FAQs: INDW vs SLW 1st T20I Match Report
- Who won the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I match in Visakhapatnam? India Women dominated the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I on December 21, 2025, winning by 8 wickets with 32 balls to spare. They chased Sri Lanka’s 121/6 total in just 14.4 overs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
- What was Jemimah Rodrigues’ score in the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? Jemimah Rodrigues starred with an unbeaten 69 off 44 balls (10 fours), earning Player of the Match honors. Her masterclass, including precise cuts and footwork against spin, powered India’s chase.
- Did Smriti Mandhana achieve a milestone in the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? Yes! Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman and second overall (after Suzie Bates) to score 4000 T20I runs. She reached the landmark during her 25-run knock, achieving it in 3227 balls—faster than Bates’ 3675.
- What was the final scorecard in the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? Sri Lanka Women: 121/6 (20 overs) – Vishmi Gunaratne 39, Harshitha Samarawickrama 21. India Women: 122/2 (14.4 overs) – Jemimah Rodrigues 69*, Smriti Mandhana 25. India won by 8 wickets.
- Who was named Player of the Match in the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? Jemimah Rodrigues was awarded Player of the Match for her unbeaten 69*. This was her 14th T20I fifty, equaling Mithali Raj’s record of four 50+ scores against Sri Lanka.
- Why did India choose to bowl first in the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? Captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bowl due to expected dew in Visakhapatnam, making chasing easier. The ACA-VDCA pitch was batting-friendly but assisted spinners early.
- What were the key bowling performances in the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? India’s spinners shone: Deepti Sharma (1/20, including a maiden), debutant Vaishnavi Sharma (0/16 in 4 overs), and Shree Charani (1/30). Kranti Gaud picked her maiden T20I wicket, dismissing Chamari Athapaththu.
- What is the schedule for the remaining matches in the Sri Lanka Women tour of India 2025? The five-match T20I series continues:
- 2nd T20I: December 23, Visakhapatnam
- 3rd T20I: December 26, Thiruvananthapuram
- 4th T20I: December 28, Thiruvananthapuram
- 5th T20I: December 30, Thiruvananthapuram
- How did India perform in the field during the INDW vs SLW 1st T20I? Despite four dropped catches (joint-most in a women’s T20I), India executed sharp run-outs. Harmanpreet Kaur noted fielding as an area for improvement, especially in dew-affected conditions.
- What is the head-to-head record between India Women and Sri Lanka Women in T20Is? India leads 20-5 in 26 T20Is (1 no-result). This INDW vs SLW 1st T20I win extends their dominance, with the series building toward the 2026 T20 World Cup.
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