India Smash Women’s T20I Record with 221 as Mandhana–Shafali Power Fourth Straight Win Over Sri Lanka

India’s women’s cricket team delivered a historic batting performance on Sunday, registering their highest-ever total in Women’s T20 Internationals and extending their winning streak against Sri Lanka to four matches in the ongoing series.

Powered by a dominant opening partnership, India piled up a massive 221 for 2 — eclipsing their previous T20I best of 217 for 4 against the West Indies in 2024. The record-breaking total underlined India’s growing firepower in the shortest format as the team builds momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Mandhana and Shafali Rewrite the Record Books

At the heart of India’s batting onslaught was a sensational opening stand between Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Mandhana struck a fluent 80, while Shafali blasted an equally destructive 79, as the duo stitched together a 162-run partnership for the first wicket.

That stand is now India’s highest-ever partnership in Women’s T20Is, for any wicket, surpassing their own previous record of 143 set against the West Indies in 2019. The pair set the tone early, combining aggression with precision to keep the Sri Lankan bowlers under constant pressure.

Landmark Moment for Smriti Mandhana

Mandhana’s innings carried added significance beyond the match result. During her knock, she crossed the milestone of 10,000 international runs across formats, becoming only the second Indian woman after Mithali Raj to achieve the feat.

Reaching the landmark in her 280th international appearance, Mandhana also set a global record, surpassing legends such as Mithali Raj, Suzie Bates and Charlotte Edwards to become the fastest woman in international cricket history to reach 10,000 runs.

Late Flourish Pushes India Past 220

After the explosive opening stand, Richa Ghosh and captain Harmanpreet Kaur ensured India did not lose momentum at the death. Ghosh remained unbeaten on 40, while Harmanpreet added an unbeaten 16, helping India accelerate further and close the innings with authority.

The final total of 221 for 2 placed the match among the highest-scoring Women’s T20Is and highlighted the depth of India’s batting line-up.

Highest Totals by India in Women’s T20Is

• 221/2 vs Sri Lanka (2025)

• 217/4 vs West Indies (2024)

• 210/5 vs England (2025)

• 201/5 vs UAE (2024)

• 198/4 vs England (2018)

Sri Lanka Fight, But Fall Short

Chasing a daunting target, Sri Lanka put up a spirited effort and tested India’s bowling attack. They eventually finished on 191, a competitive total in its own right, but still fell 30 runs short.

Despite the loss, Sri Lanka’s batting display suggested growing confidence as they continue preparations for the global event next year.

Mandhana on the Transition to T20 Cricket

Named Player of the Match, Mandhana reflected on the challenge of switching formats after a heavy ODI schedule. She said adjusting mentally to T20 cricket had been demanding, but was pleased to make a meaningful contribution in a crucial game.

She also highlighted the team’s atmosphere, pointing to a strong sense of unity and shared celebration within the squad over the past year.

World Cup Build-Up Gathers Pace

Both India and Sri Lanka are using the series as part of their preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in England and Wales from June 12. India will open their World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14, while Sri Lanka face defending champions New Zealand on June 16.

The two sides will meet once more in the fifth and final T20I of the series on December 30 in Thiruvananthapuram, where India will look to close out the series in emphatic fashion and continue their record-setting run.