India surge toward new heights ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup
India’s preparations for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup have received a massive boost, with the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka showcasing just how far the team has come in terms of depth, confidence, and collective belief. The fourth consecutive win in the series wasn’t just another victory—it was a statement of intent from a side clearly peaking at the right time.
At the heart of India’s rise was Smriti Mandhana, who delivered a performance that blended history with dominance. The left-handed opener became only the second Indian woman after Mithali Raj to cross 10,000 international runs across formats, and she did it faster than anyone else in women’s cricket history. Achieving the milestone in her 280th appearance, Mandhana went past legends like Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards, underlining her consistency and longevity at the highest level.
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Mandhana’s milestone came during a breathtaking batting display in the fourth T20I, where posted their highest-ever Women’s T20I total of 221/2, surpassing their previous best of 217/4 set in 2024 against the West Indies. The foundation was laid by a stunning opening partnership between Mandhana and Shafali Verma. The duo added 162 runs for the first wicket, the highest partnership for women’s T20Is, eclipsing their own previous record of 143 set back in 2019.
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Mandhana’s 80 off 48 balls was a masterclass in timing and intent, while Verma’s 79 off 46 deliveries brought raw power and relentless aggression. Together, they dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack and ensured were always in control. Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (40)* and Harmanpreet Kaur (16)* added the finishing touches, pushing the total beyond reach.
India’s record-breaking performances and growing unity signal strong momentum in the build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup
Defending such a massive score is never straightforward, and Sri Lanka showed admirable fight. They chased bravely and ended with 191 runs, but bowlers held their nerve in crucial moments to secure a 30-run victory. The result sealed India’s fourth straight win in the series and confirmed an unassailable lead heading into the final match.
After the game, Mandhana reflected on both her personal milestone and the team’s growth. She admitted that transitioning from a year heavy on ODI cricket to the demands of T20s required a mental adjustment, but emphasized how the current team environment has made the process smoother.
“In the last one year, there is a different kind of team building,” Mandhana said. “Everyone is celebrating everyone’s success, and that makes a big difference.”
That unity has been evident throughout the series. India have won each match convincingly:
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1st T20I (Dec 21, Visakhapatnam): India won by 8 wickets
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2nd T20I (Dec 23, Visakhapatnam): India won by 7 wickets
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3rd T20I (Dec 26, Thiruvananthapuram): India won by 8 wickets
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4th T20I (Dec 28, Thiruvananthapuram): India won by 30 runs
The fifth and final T20I will be played on December 30 in Thiruvananthapuram, where India will look to complete a clean sweep.
Beyond the immediate series, these performances carry far greater significance. Both India and Sri Lanka are using this contest as part of their broader build-up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be hosted in England and Wales. Explosive batting, calm bowling under pressure, and visibly strong team culture suggest they are moving in the right direction.
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With the tournament set to begin on June 12, 2026, and India scheduled to open their campaign against Pakistan on June 14, momentum is everything. On current form, India aren’t just building toward the World Cup—they’re announcing themselves as serious contenders.
Smriti Mandhana’s record-breaking night symbolized that rise perfectly. It wasn’t just about runs or milestones; it was about confidence, clarity, and a team clearly discovering its highest level at exactly the right moment.
