As the Sun sets over the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on December 28, 2025, the stage is set for the fourth showdown in this five-match Women’s T20 International series between India vs Sri Lanka Women.
After three games of dominant cricket, India has already clinched the series and carries a commanding 3-0 lead. But this contest isn’t just another win on paper it presents a golden chance for both teams to write new stories and test their mettle under pressure.
India’s supremacy so far has been evident. The hosts have outplayed Sri Lanka in all three matches, showing both skill and composure in varied conditions. Chasing sums has been their strength, aided by smart captaincy and a disciplined bowling unit that has consistently kept Sri Lanka under pressure. With this victory margin in hand, India now turns its focus toward broader goals experimenting with tactics, strengthening bench depth, and preparing for bigger battles on the horizon.
A Series Already Sealed What’s at Stake Now?
With the series victory already secured, this fourth T20I is not just another match it’s an opportunity. India’s leadership is expected to use this game to explore deeper options. Traditionally, when a series is sewn up early, teams look inward testing new combinations, giving fringe players valuable international exposure, and building confidence among those who’ve waited for their chance.
For India, one such prospect is 17-year-old G Kamalini, a young wicketkeeper-batter whose promise has drawn attention. She carries with her the kind of big-hitting potential that reminds fans of Richa Ghosh in her early days. Whether she gets a go at No. 5 or 6 could shape not just this match but India’s long-term T20 planning as they eye global tournaments.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
Beyond individual experimentation, this match is an opportunity to work on areas that still need fine-tuning. India’s top order has been clinical, but the middle order and lower-order firepower demand refinement, especially with major events on the horizon.
The series has clearly shown India’s capacity to chase modest targets with ease, yet the team management might want to test their batting unit’s ability to set competitive totals, something they have not done often in this series. With dew expected to play less of a role than earlier matches, setting a target could be a wise practice for future conditions.
On the other side, Sri Lanka enters this game looking to break a drought of form and build momentum. Throughout the tour, they have struggled to find consistency, relying heavily on experienced captain Chamari Athapaththu for resilience in batting and spirited leadership. While Athapaththu’s presence offers stability, team balance remains an area of concern. Young batters have shown flashes of promise, yet inconsistency has kept them from seriously challenging India’s dominance.
Coach Rumesh Ratnayake and his staff face a challenge: to unlock the potential of players like Harshitha Samarawickrama, whose talent was evident when she top-scored in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup final win over India last year. Despite such promising signs, her form in the series has dipped, and this match offers a chance for redemption. Sri Lanka’s selectors may also look to shuffle the deck further, hoping to uncover performers who can withstand pressure and play pivotal roles in tight encounters.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
A strong performance by Sri Lanka not only boosts morale but also lays the foundation for improvement ahead of future series. Cricket, after all, is as much a mental game as it is technical and a spirited fightback here could change the psychological momentum for the touring side.
There are several fascinating individual storylines that add flavor to this contest:
- Smriti Mandhana — The elegant left-hander has been a backbone for India’s batting lineup. With a wealth of experience and the ability to build innings, Mandhana will be eager to find form and potentially chase a rare big score in this series. Her consistency at the crease has long been a hallmark of India’s success.
- Shafali Verma — Bursting with fearless intent, Shafali has already showcased her match-winning instincts in this series. Her aggressive plunder at the top offers India explosive starts and puts early pressure on Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
- Vaishnavi Sharma — The young left-arm spinner has been among India’s breakthrough bowlers. Having led wicket tallies domestically, she brings variety to the bowling attack and the ability to stifle runs during the middle overs.
- Chamari Athapaththu — For Sri Lanka, the captain carries the hopes of her side. Her experience and ability to bat under duress will be critical if Sri Lanka is to post competitive totals or chase effectively.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama — Still searching for impact, she represents the batting talent Sri Lanka hopes will flourish into a match-winning force.
Thiruvananthapuram’s pitch is expected to offer a true bounce one that pacers and batters alike can exploit. Unlike earlier games in Visakhapatnam, dew might not heavily influence the outcome. This gives both teams a balanced platform: India could look to bat first and set a challenging total, while Sri Lanka will be keen to defend their score by leveraging steady bowling and tight fielding.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
In conditions that allow rhythm and control, the toss could become crucial winning it may prompt captaincy decisions that swing early momentum.
While this fourth T20I might not decide the series winner, it certainly shapes perceptions. For India, it’s a chance to consolidate strengths, test squad depth, and sharpen execution under varied scenarios. For Sri Lanka, it’s a platform to fight back, showcase resilience, and announce the arrival of new match-winners.
Cricket aficionados watching this contest should expect intent, passion, and skill the markers of international sport that make every T20 night memorable. As the players take the field in Thiruvananthapuram this Sunday evening, the cricketing world will watch, not just for who wins the fourth game, but for the glimpses of future stars and testaments of grit that often define Women’s cricket in its most exciting form.
