India Women’s First Series as World Champs vs SL
The confetti has barely settled, but the grind begins anew. Just weeks after their historic, nation-proud victory at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the Indian women’s cricket team is set for their first international assignment as world champions. And their opponents? A determined Sri Lankan side ready to test the new queens of cricket in a blockbuster five-match T20I series.
This isn’t just another bilateral series. It’s the first real test for India’s squad in their new identity as World Cup winners, a chance to build momentum, and a vital opportunity to fine-tune their T20 game ahead of future global tournaments.
Table of Contents
- World Champions Return to Action
- Full India Women vs Sri Lanka Series Schedule
- What’s at Stake for Both Teams?
- India Squad Watch: New Faces and Old Guards
- The Sri Lankan Challenge
- Conclusion
- Sources
World Champions Return to Action
The roar from Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium is still echoing in fans’ ears. India’s maiden ICC Women’s ODI World Cup win over South Africa by 52 runs wasn’t just a victory; it was a cultural moment for the sport in the country . Now, the team led by Harmanpreet Kaur must translate that ODI success into the fast-paced, high-pressure world of T20 cricket .
This series against Sri Lanka is their first chance to prove that their World Cup win was not a peak, but a launchpad. Every match will be scrutinized for how they handle the new expectations that come with being world champions.
Full India Women vs Sri Lanka Series Schedule
The action kicks off on December 21 and will run through December 30, 2025. The series will be split across two iconic venues, offering fans in different parts of the country a chance to witness their heroes in person .
- 1st T20I: December 21, 2025 – Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- 2nd T20I: December 23, 2025 – Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- 3rd T20I: December 26, 2025 – Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- 4th T20I: December 28, 2025 – Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- 5th T20I: December 30, 2025 – Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam gets the honor of hosting the opening salvos, before the series shifts to the picturesque city of Thiruvananthapuram for the final three matches .
What’s at Stake for Both Teams?
For India Women, this series is about more than just winning. It’s about:
- Maintaining momentum: Capitalizing on the confidence from their World Cup win.
- Experimentation: Trying out new combinations and strategies in a less pressured environment before bigger T20 events.
- Building a legacy: Establishing themselves as a dominant force across all formats, not just ODIs.
For Sri Lanka Women, this is a golden opportunity. Playing against the newly-crowned world champions on their home soil is the ultimate challenge. A strong showing, even in defeat, would be a massive confidence booster and a statement of intent on the global stage. They will be looking to exploit any post-victory complacency and make their mark .
India Squad Watch: New Faces and Old Guards
While the official squad is yet to be announced, all eyes will be on who makes the cut. Will the selectors lean on the core group that delivered the World Cup, or will they blood some exciting young talent from the domestic circuit?
The likes of Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana will be expected to provide explosive starts at the top of the order, while all-rounders like Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana will be crucial in the middle overs . This series is a perfect platform for fringe players to stake their claim for a permanent spot in the T20 setup. Keep an eye on the BCCI’s official announcement for the final squad list.
The Sri Lankan Challenge
Sri Lanka’s women’s team has shown flashes of brilliance in recent times. Led by their captain, they possess a mix of experienced campaigners and agile young players who can be dangerous on their day. Their strategy will likely revolve around disciplined bowling to contain India’s powerful batting lineup and building partnerships with the bat to post a competitive total.
They know an upset win over the world champions would be one of the biggest in their history, and you can expect them to come out swinging. For fans of competitive cricket, this David vs. Goliath narrative, even on a level playing field, is what makes the sport so captivating.
Conclusion
The upcoming India Women vs Sri Lanka T20I series is far more than just a warm-up. It’s a fascinating narrative of a team at the pinnacle of their sport looking to build an empire, and another team fighting to prove they belong in the top echelon. From the beaches of Visakhapatnam to the vibrant crowds of Thiruvananthapuram, this series promises high-octane cricket, tactical battles, and a glimpse into the future of the women’s game in Asia. Don’t miss a ball of this historic first series for the new world champions.
Sources
India vs Sri Lanka Women’s T20I series announced – Sportstar
BCCI announces India’s five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka
Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: India beat South Africa to win maiden title
After World Cup triumph, India women to return to action for SL series
India Women Cricket Team | IND-W | News & Matches
ICC Official Website