IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I: Harmanpreet Kaur Equals Historic T20I Record as Indian Women’s Cricket Ends 2025 on a High
IND-W vs SL-W 5th T20I: Indian women’s cricket witnessed another memorable chapter as captain Harmanpreet Kaur delivered a match-winning performance that placed her alongside one of the game’s greatest names. With a composed yet aggressive innings under pressure, she not only guided India to victory but also etched her name deeper into the record books, underlining her long-standing impact on the shortest format of the game.
A Record That Reflects Longevity and Impact
Harmanpreet Kaur created history by equaling the record for the most Player of the Match awards by an Indian woman in T20 internationals. This milestone was earlier held solely by Mithali Raj, a pioneer of Indian women’s cricket. Mithali achieved the feat during her illustrious career spanning over two decades, while Harmanpreet matched the tally through years of consistent performances and leadership in a far more competitive and fast-evolving T20 era.
What makes this achievement stand out is the contrasting journeys. Mithali Raj reached the landmark in fewer matches, reflecting her dominance during the early growth of the format. Harmanpreet, on the other hand, has built her legacy through adaptability, power-hitting, and the ability to influence games in multiple ways, including with the ball.
Match-Winning Knock Under Pressure
Batting at number four, Harmanpreet played a captain’s innings when the team needed her the most. Walking in with India struggling early, she stabilized the innings and then shifted gears seamlessly. Her 68-run knock came off just 43 deliveries and included a blend of timing and brute force, highlighted by nine boundaries and a towering six.
At a stage when the hosts were reeling at 27 for 2, her calm presence in the middle transformed the momentum of the game. She assessed the conditions smartly, rotated the strike efficiently, and punished loose deliveries, ensuring that the scoreboard kept moving despite early setbacks.
Crucial Partnership Changes the Game
One of the defining moments of the innings was the sixth-wicket partnership between Harmanpreet and Amanjot Kaur. The pair added 61 vital runs at a crucial juncture, turning a potentially modest total into a competitive one. Amanjot played her role with maturity, scoring 21 runs from 18 balls and providing steady support as Harmanpreet took charge of the scoring.
This partnership proved decisive, as it allowed India to post a challenging total of 175 for 7. The bowlers then backed up the batting effort with discipline, eventually sealing a 15-run victory and completing a strong finish to the match.
Shafali Verma’s Quiet Game but Series Glory
Expectations were high from Shafali Verma heading into the final T20I of the year. Known for her explosive starts, she had the opportunity to climb higher among the leading run scorers in the format. However, cricket’s unpredictability surfaced once again as she was dismissed early, managing just five runs in the second over.
Despite the low score in the final match, Shafali’s overall consistency throughout the series earned her the Player of the Series award. This recognition marked her third such honor in T20 internationals, bringing her level with some of India’s most celebrated players in this category.
An Elite Group of Consistent Performers
With her latest award, Shafali joined an exclusive group of Indian cricketers who have each won the Player of the Series award three times in women’s T20 internationals. This list also includes Harmanpreet Kaur, Mithali Raj, and Deepti Sharma, players who have contributed across different phases of Indian women’s cricket and in varying roles.
Such achievements highlight the growing depth and consistency within the Indian setup. They also reflect how individual brilliance, when combined with team effort, continues to push the side toward higher standards on the global stage.
A Strong End to the 2025 Season
This match marked India’s final women’s T20 international of 2025, and it ended on a note of confidence and optimism. Harmanpreet’s record-equalling feat, Shafali’s series recognition, and the team’s ability to bounce back from pressure situations all point toward a promising future.
As Indian women’s cricket continues to evolve, performances like these not only celebrate past milestones but also set the tone for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.