Shafali Verma, Renuka Thakur, and Deepti Sharma shone brightly as India Women defeated Sri Lanka Women in the third T20I at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, December 26, 2025. With this victory, India claimed an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
India won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that paid dividends early in the match. Renuka Singh Thakur, returning to the side after a hiatus, spearheaded the bowling attack, dismantling Sri Lanka's top order with a remarkable four-wicket haul. Her performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Thakur stated she regularly attends the NCA to prepare for tournaments to improve her bowling and fitness. She also said that Harmanpreet Kaur, the skipper, kept motivating her.
Deepti Sharma, who missed the previous match due to illness, complemented Renuka's efforts by claiming three crucial wickets. Sharma's impressive spell not only stifled Sri Lanka's middle order but also saw her equal Megan Schutt's world record for the most wickets in Women's T20Is, both now holding 151 dismissals. Dismissing Malsha Shehani, Deepti reached the milestone in her final over. She also became the third-highest wicket-taker in women's international cricket, with 333 wickets. Jhulan Goswami (355) and Katherine Sciver-Brunt (335) are ahead of her.
Deepti Sharma has also etched her name in history, becoming the first player, male or female, to record 1,000-plus T20I runs and 150 wickets. She is also the first Indian to reach 150 T20I wickets.
Sri Lanka struggled to gain momentum, losing wickets at regular intervals. Hasini Perera (25), Imesha Dulani (27) and Kavisha Dilhari (20) were the only Sri Lankan batters to score more than 20 runs, as the team reached 112/7 in 20 overs. Deepti Sharma dismissed Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari and Malsha Shehani.
Chasing a modest target, India's response was emphatic, led by Shafali Verma's aggressive batting. Verma blazed her way to an unbeaten 79 off 42 balls, which included 11 fours and three sixes, making her the player of the match. She brought up her half-century in just 24 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur provided valuable support, rotating the strike and contributing a steady 21*. India won the match by eight wickets with 40 balls to spare.
Sri Lanka's captain, Chamari Athapaththu, acknowledged her team's struggles and the need for improvement before the World Cup. Harmanpreet Kaur, India's captain, expressed satisfaction with her team's performance throughout the series and their focus on raising standards in T20 cricket.
