With the series already locked at 4–0, the fifth and final T20I between India Women and Sri Lanka Women in Thiruvananthapuram presents a very different challenge. What was expected to be a competitive two-sided contest instead turned into a one-sided affair, making the final game more of an opportunity than a decision. For India, it is about experimentation and planning ahead. For Sri Lanka, it is about salvaging pride and showing signs of struggle. India’s dominance through the series was comprehensive. They outplayed Sri Lanka in every department, but it’s the bowling that really stood out. Even in conditions that traditionally favor the batsmen, the Indian attack looked a class apart. As you head into the endgame, the anticipation isn’t so much about correcting mistakes as it is about expanding opportunities for those waiting on the sidelines.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has previously spoken about the importance of supporting young people once the series is safely in the bag, and this matchup feels like the perfect moment to do so. Only one uncapped name remains in the team – G Kamalini. Kamalini impressed in the limited opportunities she was given during the WPL, but those chances were lower down the order, giving her little time to really showcase her skills. A debut here, with clarity around her role, could give India valuable insight into her readiness for the international stage.
To accommodate it, India may have to make a bold choice. One option could be to rest Harleen Deol, allowing Kamalini to slot into the middle order. Another option is to bench Richa Ghosh and take over the goalkeeping duties if needed. One of the rests in-form openers in Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana it would be a bolder move, but given their consistency throughout the series, it seems unlikely.
From a bowling perspective, India have little reason to gloat. The combination of three spinners and three pacers gave them control across the phases. Despite the expected dew in Kerala’s humid conditions, the Indian bowlers did not look uncomfortable. Their execution at the death, variation in the middle sections and ability to strike on time put them leaps and bounds ahead of their Sri Lankan counterparts. The dew may help the batting later in the evening, but the Indian bowlers have shown enough skill to negate that advantage.
Tactically, the message is unlikely to change. India played fearless cricket in the power play – either bat hard or attack with the ball – and adjusted smartly after the opening phase was over. With no scoreboard pressure in the series, expect more of the same: intent from the front, followed by situational cricket rather than reckless aggression.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka enter the final match looking for answers. Their campaign is a disappointment not only because of the results, but also because of a visible lack of confidence and urgency in moments of crisis. Body language was an issue and management came under scrutiny, with the captain appearing less proactive at key moments.
That said, there was some upside in the previous game. The batsman finally showed cohesion in the lead against the openers. Hasini Perera played with intent early and gave Sri Lanka the platform they had lacked throughout the series. They will need more of that approach along with the all-round brilliance of Chamari Athapaththu if they are to end the tour on a higher note. Too much rested on her shoulders and support from the rest of the batting order is essential.
In the end, this matchup may not change the story of the series, but it does have significance for both teams. India are already looking forward to next year’s T20 World Cup and need to be clear about bench strength and reserves. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, must take this as a chance to mentally reset and show that they can respond after a tough run. Even in a lopsided series, the stakes are still high.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
December 30, 2025
