The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 finalists are ready for their next meeting, as South Africa Women are set to host India Women for a five-match Women's T20I series before the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. 

India Women will play five-match WT20I series against the hosts South Africa Women

In April 2026, India Women will tour South Africa for the five-match Women's T20I series. Durban will host the first two fixtures on April 17 and 19, Johannesburg will host the next two games on April 22 and 25, and Benoni will host the last one on April 27.

It will be the second Women's T20I series that South Africa will host against India Women. India Women previously played a five-match WT20I series against the hosts South Africa Women in February 2018, which India Women won by 3-1.

While India Women will face the hosts England Women in a T20I series before the beginning of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, the South Africa series will be played before the English tour. So, before the upcoming T20 World Cup, the Women in Blue will have enough match practice with the crucial tours in Australia, South Africa, and England.

Meanwhile, before hosting India Women, South Africa Women will host Pakistan in the WODI and WT20I series before traveling to New Zealand for a T20I series. 

See Also: BCCI unlikely to offer A+ Category in new central contract after ODI series defeat vs New Zealand

India Women and South Africa Women are in same group in ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026

England and Wales will host the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 between June 12 and July 5, 2026, where 12 teams will compete for the title. India Women are in Group A along with six-time champions Australia Women, Pakistan Women, last two-time runners-up South Africa Women, and two qualified teams. Only two teams will advance to the Semi-finals of the tournament. So, it will be a very tough job for every team to secure the Semi-final spot. 

The senior women's national selection committee has announced the India Women's squad for the Women's T20I and Women's ODI series for the upcoming Australia tour, which will be a key tour for India Women eyeing the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.

Australia are set to host a three-match Women's T20I series along with a three-match Women's ODI series and a one-off Women's Test between February 15 and March 9.  

India Women's T20I squad: Two important comebacks

Bharti Fulmali and Shreyanka Patil have been named in the T20I squad, as they have returned to the squad after their strong performances in the ongoing WPL season. 

The 23-year-old Shreyanka Patil last served for India Women in October 2024. The all-rounder has recorded five wickets in three WODI games and 20 wickets in 16 WT20I matches. In the ongoing WPL 2026, she has recorded eight wickets in four matches. 

Meanwhile, the 31-year-old middle-order right-handed batter Bharti Fulmali has impressed with his striking ability in the ongoing WPL 2026, where she has scored 92 runs in four innings with an average of 46.00 and a strike rate of 191.66, including smashing six fours and eight sixes while facing 48 balls this season. Bharti has played two WT20Is, both in March 2019.

These are very crucial inclusions in the Indian WT20I squad, while the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 is less than six months away from now. 

India Women's ODI squad: Two maiden call-ups

In the Australia tour, India Women will also play three WODIs, as it will be their first challenge in this format since winning their historic first ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 title at home on November 2, 2025. However, the WODI series will not be a part of the 2025–2029 ICC Women's Championship, which is likely to start in late February 2026. 

From the latest title-winning side, Uma Chetry, Radha Yadav, and Arundhati Reddy have been dropped, while Arundhati has been selected in the T20I squad. Wicketkeeper G Kamalini and left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma have earned their maiden WODI call-ups, while they made their WT20I debuts last month during the home series against Sri Lanka. Also, the right-arm medium pacer Kashvee Gautam has been included in the WODI squad. 

The Indian Women's Test squad for the Australia tour will be announced later. 

India Women's T20I squad for Australia tour

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Bharti Fulmali, Shreyanka Patil

India Women's ODI squad for Australia tour

Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, Sree Charani, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), G Kamalini (wk), Kashvee Gautam, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol

There were many instances of great moments in India's memorable 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, but fast bowler Kranti Goud emerged as one of the biggest stars. She played a vital match-winning role in India lifting the trophy on home soil. The historic win also brought life-changing news for her family.

Following the World Cup victory, Kranti’s father, Munna Singh, has been reinstated into the Madhya Pradesh Police after spending more than 13 years under suspension. The move fulfilled a promise made by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during a public felicitation event held in honor of the World Cup-winning team.

Munna Singh, a police constable, was suspended in 2012 over alleged negligence during election duty. The case remained unresolved for over a decade, putting the family under financial and emotional pressure while Kranti continued her journey in cricket from a small village in Madhya Pradesh.

From Village Grounds to World Cup Glory

Madhya Pradesh Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang confirmed that Munna Singh’s reinstatement was carried out following direct instructions from the Chief Minister. Official orders were later issued by the Police Headquarters. However, the reinstatement comes under a no-work, no-pay rule, meaning he will not receive any salary for the period between 2012 and January 2026.

See Also: Sri Lanka announce squad for Pakistan T20I series 2026

Kranti Goud’s rise has been built on determination and hard work. Growing up in Ghuwara village, she practiced pace bowling on a local ground and was often allowed to play only when boys were short of players. Her natural speed and fitness soon stood out.

Kranti’s potential was recognized by coach Rajiv Bilthre, who honed her bowling skills and actually helped her improve her overall game. She then made her senior debut for Madhya Pradesh in the 2023–24 season and moved ahead rather quickly. Kranti later earned a place in the Indian team and finished the 2025 Women’s World Cup as India’s third-highest wicket-taker, taking nine wickets in eight matches. So far, she has taken 23 wickets in 15 WODIs and two wickets in four WT20Is, showing a very promising start at the international level.

Members of the India Women visited the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain to attend the Bhasm Aarti and offer prayers on the occasion of New Year 2026. The visit came soon after India ended 2025 on a high with a successful home series against Sri Lanka Women.

To begin the new year on a positive and spiritual note, the players sought blessings at the famous temple. In a video shared on social media, several team members were seen sitting inside the temple premises and taking part in the prayers ahead of a busy cricketing year.

The players also received blessings from the temple priest in preparation for the next international duties. The visit reflected the team’s calm and focused mindset following a strong run of results.

India Women Continue Strong Run Ahead of T20 World Cup

In the video, players such as Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and Arundhati Reddy were seen offering prayers. The visit followed India’s dominant 5–0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka Women in the T20I series, with the final match won by 15 runs in Thiruvananthapuram.

Watch the video here

Indian women cricketers attend Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple & offer prayer on the occasion of New Year.#womencricketteam #NewYear #BhasmAarti #ITReels pic.twitter.com/J8bITND1d2

— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 1, 2026

See Also: Australia squad for T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka revealed

This was India’s third 5–0 T20I series win, having earlier achieved the same result against the West Indies in 2019 and Bangladesh in 2024, both away from home. The consistent performances of the team demonstrate their improving strength in the shorter format of the game.

After winning the ODI World Cup at home recently, beating South Africa Women in the final, attention would now turn towards the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. India, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, will play Australia Women in February 2026 and England Women in May 2026 among their build-up games to the mega event with hopes high after ending their long ICC trophy wait.

A special on-field moment between young spinner Vaishnavi Sharma and India captain Harmanpreet Kaur has become a big hit on social media. Their unique hand-gesture celebration quickly caught the attention of fans during India’s T20I series against Sri Lanka Women.

The celebration was first clearly seen in the fourth T20I. Vaishnavi bowled strongly in the match and took down two crucial wickets. With every wicket she took, Vaishnavi celebrated with Harmanpreet, and this became an instant fan favorite.

Soon, videos of the celebration were shared across social media sites. Fans were happy with the video and the happiness it brought to the young player and the captain she respects and admires. Fans appreciated the team spirit that allowed young players to feel that way. 

Vaishnavi Sharma Reveals Story Behind the Celebration

In a post-match video released by the BCCI, Vaishnavi was questioned about her gesture in her celebration.  She explained that it was planned earlier in the series. She said, “Before the third T20I, I thought of introducing a new celebration after taking a wicket. I asked Harry di [Harmanpreet Kaur] if I could do the hand gestures with her, and she agreed. I didn’t take any wickets in that game, but we finally celebrated in the fourth match after I got wickets.”

In their element 😎

Harmanpreet Kaur 🤜🤛 Vaishnavi Sharma

What do you make of that celebration? ✍️

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/E8eUdWSQXs#TeamIndia | #INDvSL | @ImHarmanpreet | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/Ypvxht4LrU

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 30, 2025

See Also: Watch: Amanjot Kaur wins best fielder medal after India Women’s 5–0 sweep of Sri Lanka

Vaishnavi Sharma is a left-arm spinner from Madhya Pradesh and recently made her international debut against Sri Lanka Women. She impressed with her calm bowling and finished the five-match series with five wickets as India completed a 5-0 clean sweep.

India Women ended the year on a positive note, with Vaishnavi standing out for both her bowling and her cheerful energy on the field. Her performances and celebrations showed the happy and confident mood within the Indian team.

India Women completed a dominant 5-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka Women in the five-match T20I series after winning the final game in Thiruvananthapuram on December 30. Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India was clearly the better side throughout the series.

Harmanpreet once again led from the front in the last match, scoring a fine 68 runs. The Indian bowlers then did their job by restricting Sri Lanka Women, helping India register a comfortable 15-run win to close the series strongly.

After the match, the team continued their dressing-room tradition of rewarding good fielding. In a video shared by the BCCI, head coach Amol Muzumdar announced Amanjot Kaur as the winner of the ‘Best Fielder’ medal.

Amanjot Kaur Impresses in Final T20I

Amanjot made a very useful contribution with the bat during the fifth T20I, with a brisk 21 off 18 balls, and her stand proved important. During the process, India managed a fighting total of 175 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.

Watch the video here

Ending 2025 with a 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 performance 😎💪

🎥 Dressing room BTS, ft. Head Coach Amol Muzumdar and the winner of the fielding medal for the series 🏅#TeamIndia | #INDvSL | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/QXQvu8xPqQ

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 31, 2025

See Also: Khushi Mukherjee clears the air over Suryakumar Yadav after viral comment

She also made an impact with the ball at a really key moment. Amanjot dismissed Sri Lanka’s number three batter, Imesha Dulani, who was well set, and finished with bowling figures of 1 for 17.

Although she did not receive an on-field award, Amanjot stood out with her fielding across the series. For taking three sharp catches and making several excellent boundary saves, she was named the ‘Best Fielder’ of the series. Amol Muzumdar later called the 5-0 win a “statement” result under Harmanpreet’s captaincy, as the players now shift focus to the upcoming Women's Premier League 2026 season.

India Women complete 2025 in a perfect way with another win against Sri Lanka Women, as the hosts completed a historic whitewash in the five-match T20I series. 

Trailing the series by 4-0, Sri Lanka Women chose to bowl first in the last game of the series on Tuesday night (December 30). While India Women scored 175/7 in 20 overs, Sri Lanka Women managed to reply with 160/7 in 20 overs, as the hosts won by 15 runs to win the series by 5-0. 

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored valuable half-century

While the opener Smriti Mandhana was rested for the match, opener Gunalan Kamalini made her debut, scoring only 12 runs in 12 balls with two fours. Her opening partner Shafali Verma was dismissed for only five runs. Also, Harleen Deol was bowled for 13 runs, as the hosts were struggling at 41/3, which was totally unusual in the series. 

While India Women were losing wickets regularly, captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a brilliant knock of 68 off 43 balls with the help of nine fours and one six. In the late innings, Amanjot Kaur (21 off 18 balls), Arundhati Reddy (27 not out off 11 balls), and Sneh Rana (8 not out off 6 balls) played some useful cameos to set the first innings total of 175 runs. In the final over of the innings, India Women added 20 runs, thanks to three fours and one six. 

Among the Lankan bowlers, Kavisha Dilhari (2/11), Chamari Athapaththu (2/21), and Rashmika Sewwandi (2/42) got two wickets each. 

See Also: India opener moves up ICC rankings after prolific home series

Indian bowlers in control despite two Sri Lankan 50s

In reply, captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for two runs, but another opener Hasini Perera and the no.3 batter Imesha Dulani had an impressive 79-run partnership for the second wicket. After Dulani was dismissed for 50 off 39 balls with eight fours, Deepti Sharma became the leading Women's T20I wicket-taker after dismissing Nilakshika Silva for only three runs. 

Opener Perera fought hard, but she had no proper support later in the innings, as Sri Lanka Women slowly moved out from the chase. Perera was dismissed for 65 runs off 42 balls with eight fours and one six. All six Indian bowlers got one wicket each. 

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur won the Player of the Match award, while Shafali Verma won the Player of the Series award after finishing the series as the leading run-scorer with 241 runs, including three consecutive half-centuries. 

India Women winning the bilateral WT20I series by 5-0

• against West Indies Women in West Indies in 2019
• against Bangladesh Women in Bangladesh in 2024
• against Sri Lanka Women in India in 2025 

India Women star all-rounder Deepti Sharma created history in Women's T20I cricket, as she became the leading wicket-taker in this format with one wicket in the last game of 2025.

Most Women's T20I wickets: Deepti Sharma surpassed Megan Schutt

Before the last game of the five-match home Women's T20I series against Sri Lanka Women, while India Women were leading the series by 4-0, the off-spinner Deepti Sharma was the joint leading wicket-taker in the Women's T20I with 151 wickets, equal to Australian right-arm pacer Megan Schutt. 

In the last game of the series at Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday night (December 30), while India Women scored 175/7 in 20 overs, Deepti created the world record in the second innings. 

In her first three overs of the match, Deepti remained wicketless, while she conceded 25 runs. She returned to bowl her last over in 2025 during the 14th over of the chase, where Sri Lanka Women needed 77 runs in 42 balls with eight wickets in hand, while Nilakshika Silva was the new batter recently joined set opener Hasini Perera in the crease. 

What is an MBE? Former England cricketer Isa Guha receives honour in King’s New Year list

Deepti Sharma dismissed Nilakshika Silva to set a new world record

On the third ball of the 14th over, Deepti trapped Nilakshika Silva for an lbw, who scored only three runs off four balls. The bowling end umpire quickly raised her finger after the strong appeal from the hosts, as the teammates congratulated Deepti for her world record achievement. Although Nilakshika went for the review, it was three reds, as that dismissal was confirmed after the review. 

𝗟𝗕𝗪 ☝️

🎥 The moment Deepti Sharma became the most successful bowler in women's T20Is 😎

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/E8eUdWSQXs#TeamIndia | #INDvSL | @Deepti_Sharma06 | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/zelk7cRLiw

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) December 30, 2025

It was Deepti's 152nd Women's T20I wicket, as she surpassed Megan Schutt to become the leading wicket-taker in WT20I history. 

IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I Match Preview:

India Women will once again square off against Sri Lanka Women on Tuesday for the final T20I at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, India. The Indian Women's team has already sealed the series by winning four consecutive matches. They stand at 4-0 after winning the 4th T20I by 30 runs. By extending their dominance, their next goal will be to achieve a whitewash in this series.

On the other hand, the Sri Lankan women also had a decent response in the last game but fell short by 30 runs. Their batting in this match was better than in previous encounters. Now, the visitors will give their all to avoid a clean sweep.

IND-W vs SL-W Recent Performance:

IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: Sri Lanka Women's Tour of India 
• Match: IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I
• Date: 30 Dec. 2025
• Match Start Time: 7:00 PM ITHU
• Stadium/Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, India, Visakhapatnam, India
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Star Sports network/Jio Hotstar.

IND-W vs SL-W Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

IND-W vs SL-W Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to remain pleasant in Thiruvananthapuram with moderate dew impact. The temperature is expected to reach around 25.0°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 153 and 166 runs. The pitch offers little assistance to pacers.

Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, India, Visakhapatnam, India Stats: 

Greenfield Stadium is an excellent venue and a batting-friendly pitch. But there is also a little assistance for the bowler; the fast bowler can get the swing with the new ball. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first will be a wise decision on this surface.    

IND-W vs SL-W Probable Playing 11

India Women (IND-W) Probable 11:

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur, Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Renuka Thakur, Shree Charani

Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) Probable 11:

Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (WK), Malsha Shehani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani

IND-W vs SL-W- Top Picks from IND-W

IND-W vs SL-W- Top Picks from SL-W

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Shafali Verma (IND-W) has accumulated three consecutive half-centuries and is currently at the top of India’s run chart.
• Smriti Mandhana (IND-W) is a top-class opener for IND-W. With solid performance throughout the series, the left-hander could be the player to watch out for.
• Chamari Athapaththu (SL-W) is the backbone of the Sri Lankan batting lineup. She has scored 101 runs so far with an average of 25.25.
• Hasini Perera (SL-W) has provided an explosive start in the previous encounter. She has scored 100 runs with an average of 25.00.

IND-W vs SL-W Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

IND-W vs SL-W Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

IND-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

IND-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

IND-W is expected to win this match. By winning four consecutive matches in this series, they have put immense pressure on the Sri Lankan women's team. Additionally, they have the advantage of playing on their home ground

IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I FAQ

Who is likely to win the IND-W vs SL-W match today?

India Women (IND-W) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

India Women

Who are the top fantasy picks for the IND-W vs SL-W Dream11 team?

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Chamari Athapattu, Kavisha Dilhari, Hasini Perera and Deepti Sharma

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 153 and 166 runs.

India Women will face Sri Lanka Women in the fifth and final T20I of the series at the Greenfield International Stadium on Tuesday, December 30. The match will start at 7:00 PM IST.

India Women have already sealed the series after taking a commanding 4–0 lead. In the fourth T20I, the home side put up another dominating display, scoring 221/2 while batting first. Although the Sri Lanka Women showed some grit while chasing, they went on to lose by 30 runs. Vaishnavi Sharma impressed with the ball and picked up two crucial wickets. The team has been in top form throughout the series and will now aim for a clean sweep.

Sri Lanka Women, meanwhile, will be disappointed with how the series has gone. They have struggled with both bat and ball and have failed to close out matches whether batting first or chasing. However, captain Chamari Athapaththu’s half-century in the last game was a positive sign. With nothing to lose, Sri Lanka will look to finish the tour with a win.

IND-W vs SL-W: Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)

• Matches Played: 30
  
• India Women Won: 24
  
• Sri Lanka Women Won: 5
  
• Tied / No Result: 1
  

IND-W vs SL-W: Pitch Report

The pitch at Greenfield Stadium has been dry and slow in the first innings, making stroke play difficult early on. However, dew later in the evening helps batters during the chase, allowing the ball to come nicely onto the bat. Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first.

See Also: BCCI rejects reports of VVS Laxman replacing Gautam Gambhir as Test coach

IND-W vs SL-W: Predicted Playing XIs

India Women (IND-W):

Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Richa Ghosh (WK), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Renuka Singh Thakur, Shree Charani

Sri Lanka Women (SL-W):

Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilshari, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (WK), Malsha Shehani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kavya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani