Harmanpreet Kaur powers India to victory against Sri Lanka today.
India finished their T20I series against Sri Lanka on a high note, clinching a 15-run victory in a high-scoring encounter at Thiruvananthapuram on December 30, 2025. In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Indian squad displayed clinical efficiency under pressure to defend a target of 176.
Harmanpreet Leads from the Front
Winning the toss and batting first, India faced early jitters. Openers Shafali Verma and Gunalan Kamalini were dismissed cheaply, leaving the middle order with a heavy lifting task. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur stepped up when it mattered most, smashing a brilliant 68 off just 43 deliveries. Her innings, decorated with nine boundaries and a six, provided the much-needed momentum. While the middle order struggled to find rhythm, Arundhati Reddy’s late-game explosion—an unbeaten 27 off 11 balls—pushed India to a solid total of 175/7.
Sri Lanka’s Valiant Run Chase
The visitors began their chase with determination despite losing star captain Chamari Athapaththu early to Arundhati Reddy. Hasini Perera (65) and Imesha Dulani (50) stitched together a massive partnership that put the Indian bowlers on the defensive. For a moment, it seemed Sri Lanka might pull off an upset as both batters reached their half-centuries with ease.
India’s Disciplined Bowling Attack
The breakthrough came when India’s bowling unit tightened the screws in the final five overs. A balanced effort saw Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Vaishnavi Sharma each picking up crucial wickets at vital junctures. The pressure of the rising required run rate forced mistakes from the Sri Lankan lower order, leading to a flurry of wickets and a crucial run-out. Sri Lanka eventually finished at 160/7, falling 15 runs short of the target.
This victory showcases the depth of the Indian women's team as they navigate international challenges with tactical brilliance. For cricket enthusiasts in Odisha and across the nation, this win serves as a perfect year-end gift.
