Thiruvananthapuram, December 30, 2025 – In a pulsating encounter at the Greenfield International Stadium, the fifth and final T20 International between India Women and Sri Lanka Women has captivated fans, with India pressing hard for a dominant series whitewash. As the Sri Lankan chase of 176 unfolded, early reports highlighted a ‘world record’ by India’s star all-rounder Deepti Sharma, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already thrilling contest.

India, having secured an unassailable 4-0 lead in the series, entered this fixture with their sights set firmly on a clean sweep. Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat first by Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu, the hosts managed to post a formidable total of 175 for 7, largely thanks to a captain’s masterclass from Harmanpreet Kaur.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captain’s Knock Anchors India

The Indian innings was a tale of two halves, or perhaps, a testament to one player’s unwavering resolve. Having gotten off to a ‘poor start’ and ‘losing wickets at regular intervals,’ India found themselves in a precarious position. This is where Harmanpreet Kaur, leading from the front, stepped up with a ‘fighting knock’ of 68 runs off just 43 balls. Her innings was not merely about scoring runs; it was about injecting momentum, steadying the ship amidst a flurry of dismissals, and ensuring India reached a total that their bowlers could defend.

Kaur’s ability to accelerate after settling in, finding boundaries and rotating the strike, became the backbone of India’s challenging total. In T20 cricket, a captain’s knock under pressure, especially when the top order falters, is invaluable. It not only provides the necessary runs but also sends a strong message of resilience and determination to the rest of the team. Her 68 runs, coming at a strike rate well over 150, proved to be the difference between a sub-par score and a competitive target of 176.

The Strategic Decision: Bowling First on a Crucial Night

Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, won the toss and elected to field, a common strategy in T20 cricket, particularly under lights, aiming to restrict the opposition and then chase with a clear target in mind. While the decision initially seemed vindicated by India’s stuttering start, Harmanpreet’s brilliance ultimately ensured that the target was still a significant one. The Greenfield International Stadium pitch in Thiruvananthapuram often offers a good balance, but chasing a high 170s score in a winner-takes-all (for Sri Lanka, to avoid whitewash) scenario always adds immense pressure.

Sri Lanka’s Valiant Chase and Key Milestones

In response to India’s 175, Sri Lanka embarked on their chase with determination. At the time of this breaking news analysis, they were at 100 for 2 after 13.2 overs, having later lost a third wicket to Amanjot Kaur. The chase saw a significant individual milestone achieved by Imesha Dulani, who notched up her ‘maiden T20I FIFTY.’ Her knock was described as a ‘very well-compiled’ innings, highlighting her composure and skill under pressure. Reaching a half-century at the international level is a significant achievement for any cricketer, especially in a high-stakes chase, and Dulani’s effort provided a glimmer of hope for the touring side.

However, Dulani’s promising innings was cut short by an inspired bowling change. Amanjot Kaur, brought into the attack, made an immediate impact, striking on her very first delivery. She lured Dulani into a big shot, and the batter mishit it straight to Shafali Verma at extra cover, who made ‘no mistake’. This wicket, reducing Sri Lanka to three down, was a significant blow to their momentum, shifting the balance further in India’s favour. The current run rate for Sri Lanka was 7.50, meaning they still had considerable ground to cover against a tight Indian bowling attack.

At the fall of Dulani’s wicket, Hasini Perera was holding fort with 43 runs off 32 balls, battling hard, while Nilakshika Silva had just arrived at the crease. The onus was now heavily on Perera to build a partnership and accelerate the scoring, facing a challenging required run rate against a dominant Indian bowling unit.

Deepti Sharma’s Enigmatic ‘World Record’

One of the most intriguing aspects of the match, as highlighted by initial live score updates, was the mention of Deepti Sharma ‘scripting a world record.’ However, the details of this specific record were not elaborated upon in the provided content, leaving fans and analysts eager for further information. Deepti Sharma is renowned for her all-round prowess – her off-spin bowling, capable batting, and exceptional fielding. She holds numerous records in women’s cricket, including being one of only a few women to achieve 100 wickets and 1000 runs in T20Is. Given her reputation, this ‘world record’ could pertain to a multitude of achievements:

• Bowling Figures: Perhaps the most economical spell in T20I history, or a remarkable number of wickets in an innings.
• All-round Feat: An unprecedented combination of runs and wickets in a single match, or reaching a specific milestone faster than anyone else.
• Fielding Record: Though less common for ‘world records’, her sharp fielding could have contributed to a unique dismissal statistic.

Without specific details, the ‘world record’ remains a captivating mystery, underscoring Deepti’s status as one of the most impactful players in women’s cricket. Her figures of 26 runs conceded in 3.2 overs at the time of the update indicate her consistent pressure, but the exact nature of her record-breaking feat is undoubtedly a story awaiting full disclosure.

Implications for the Series and Beyond

For India, a whitewash would be a powerful statement of their dominance in white-ball cricket, especially against an Asian rival. It reflects not only the talent within the squad but also the strategic depth and execution of their game plans. A 5-0 victory would provide immense confidence heading into future tournaments and reinforce their position as a top-tier team in women’s cricket.

For Sri Lanka, despite the series loss, individual performances like Imesha Dulani’s maiden fifty and the fighting spirit shown in stages of the chase offer valuable takeaways. Competing against a top team like India provides crucial experience and highlights areas for improvement. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, herself a world-class player, will be looking to build on these individual glimmers and foster greater consistency within her team.

As the final overs of this 5th T20I unfold, all eyes remain on Thiruvananthapuram. Will India complete their whitewash, bolstered by Harmanpreet’s leadership and the tantalizing mystery of Deepti Sharma’s ‘world record’? Or can Sri Lanka, through the efforts of Hasini Perera and the tail, pull off a remarkable upset to salvage some pride? The final chapter of this series promises a thrilling conclusion.

---

Disclaimer: Cricket Mantra aggregates breaking cricket news from multiple reputable sources, enriching them with in-depth analysis and expert commentary to provide comprehensive coverage for our readers.