December 21, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka are set to give emerging talent an extended run when they face India in a five-match Women’s T20 international series beginning in Visakhapatnam, signalling a clear shift towards long-term planning ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
With several experienced campaigners either stepping away or being given a break, the visitors will rely on a youthful core under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu. The tour is expected to provide valuable exposure to new combinations, with changes likely behind the stumps as Kaushini Nuthyangana is tipped to take over wicketkeeping duties following Anushka Sanjeewni’s omission. Veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera is expected to offer guidance to a relatively inexperienced bowling group, while uncapped players such as Nimasha Madushani are in line for opportunities.
India, meanwhile, will treat the series as an important tune-up as they build towards next year’s global tournament in England. The hosts have welcomed back pace bowler Renuka Singh after injury, and there is growing anticipation around the possible debut of young spinner Vaishnavi Sharma as selectors assess their depth.
The contest is expected to blend experience with experimentation on both sides, offering competitive cricket while allowing each team to refine plans for the challenges ahead.
Probable Sri Lanka XI: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wicketkeeper), Manudi Nanayakkara, Inoka Ranaweera or Nimasha Madushani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Malki Madara.
Probable India XI: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Amanjot Kaur, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana or Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud or Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, N Shree Charani.
