The Indian women's cricket team delivered a commanding performance to secure a 5-0 series whitewash against Sri Lanka, culminating in a 15-run victory in the fifth and final T20 International on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Thiruvananthapuram's Greenfield International Stadium.
Captain's Knock and Post-Match Reflections
Leading from the front, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur played a pivotal innings of 68 runs off just 43 balls, rescuing her team from a precarious position. Speaking after the match, Kaur opened up about the challenges of switching formats. "Shifting to T20 from ODI wasn't easy," she admitted, highlighting the mental adjustment required. However, she emphasised the team's excitement and collective effort, which culminated in a dominant series win that provides significant momentum.
Kaur reflected on a successful 2025, stating that the team's hard work had finally yielded visible credit. "Now, it's about repeating these habits," she said, looking ahead to future challenges. The comprehensive series victory, according to the captain, has given the squad the necessary motivation to raise its standards with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Building for the Future: WPL and World Cup
The Indian captain outlined the roadmap for the next six months, identifying them as a crucial period. She pointed to the imminent Women's Premier League (WPL) as a vital platform for players to hone their skills and play their best cricket. Kaur also credited head coach Amol Muzumdar for focusing on improving strike rates and lifting the overall standard of the team's T20 game, a philosophy the players have embraced wholeheartedly.
Shafali Verma Shines as Player of the Series
Opener Shafali Verma was deservedly named Player of the Series for her explosive batting, which included three consecutive half-centuries. Verma acknowledged that her consistent hard work throughout the year had paid off. Despite a low score of 5 in the final match, she vowed to learn from the mistake and return stronger.
Expressing her format preference, Verma said, "T20 is my favourite." She explained the key difference, noting that the One-Day format requires more grounded play, while the T20 game suits her aggressive style. The young batter is confident of continuous improvement to become a better player for the national side.
This resounding series win not only marks a perfect end to the year for the Indian women's team but also sets a confident tone for their preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The blend of experienced leadership from Kaur and fiery talent from youngsters like Verma paints a promising picture for Indian women's cricket.
