India Women capped off a dominant tour with another composed performance, defeating Sri Lanka Women by 15 runs in the fifth and final T20I to complete a 5–0 clean sweep of the series. The result underlined India’s superiority throughout the tour, as they consistently controlled key phases of play and delivered under pressure.

Batting first, India Women posted an imposing 175 for 7 from their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who led from the front with a commanding 68 off 43 balls. After early setbacks that saw Shafali Verma, Gunalan Kamalini and Harleen Deol depart inside the powerplay, India required stability — and Harmanpreet provided exactly that.

The skipper rotated the strike efficiently before accelerating with authority, striking nine boundaries and a six to maintain momentum. Support came in patches, with Amanjot Kaur contributing a useful 21, but it was the late surge that lifted India to a formidable total. Arundhati Reddy produced a stunning cameo, remaining unbeaten on 27 from just 11 deliveries, her clean striking in the death overs decisively shifting momentum in India’s favour.

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Kavisha Dilhari and Chamari Athapaththu were the standouts, claiming two wickets apiece, but the attack struggled to contain India in the closing stages.

Chasing 176, Sri Lanka Women responded with intent and determination. Hasini Perera starred at the top of the order with a fluent 65 off 42 balls, while Imesha Dulani compiled a composed 50, keeping the chase alive with a crucial partnership that threatened to tilt the contest.

India, however, showcased their experience and composure. Timely breakthroughs in the middle overs stalled Sri Lanka’s momentum, with Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Vaishnavi Sharma and Shree Charani all making important contributions with the ball. Sharp fielding — highlighted by a crucial run-out — further tightened India’s grip on the match.

Despite a late push from Rashmika Sewwandi, Sri Lanka finished on 160 for 7, falling 15 runs short of the target.

The victory sealed a comprehensive 5–0 series whitewash for India Women, reflecting their consistency, squad depth, and tactical clarity throughout the series. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and match-winning performance in the final game perfectly encapsulated India’s dominance as they closed the tour on a resounding high.

Brief Scores

India Women 175/7 in 20 overs

Harmanpreet Kaur 68 (43), Arundhati Reddy 27* (11)

Kavisha Dilhari 2/11, Chamari Athapaththu 2/21

Sri Lanka Women 160/7 in 20 overs

Hasini Perera 65 (42), Imesha Dulani 50 (39)

Deepti Sharma 1/28, Sneh Rana 1/3

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has granted conditional approval for the implementation of a National Referee Development Plan and the establishment of an Elite Referee Panel, subject to final ratification by the Sri Lanka Rugby Council.

According to an official press release, the initiative has been introduced in response to a national shortage of qualified rugby referees, a challenge that has impacted domestic competitions in recent seasons. The proposed development plan includes a one-time intake of 30 referee candidates, aimed at strengthening officiating standards across all levels of the game.

Structured National Intake Process

Under the approved framework, referee candidates will be drawn from three distinct sources. These include nominations from the Tri-Forces, selections through an open national application process, and candidates identified through existing rugby structures. All selected participants will undergo a standardised training and accreditation pathway implemented by Sri Lanka Rugby, aligned with World Rugby guidelines and best practices.

Sri Lanka Rugby stated that the programme is designed to create a sustainable pipeline of referees, ensuring consistency, professionalism, and improved match control in domestic competitions.

Elite Referee Panel Established

In parallel, SLR has approved the formation of an Elite Referee Panel, which will consist of the country’s top-performing referees. This panel is expected to officiate high-level domestic matches and serve as a talent pool for regional and international assignments.

The Elite Panel will operate under clearly defined performance, fitness, and assessment criteria, with ongoing evaluations to maintain officiating standards.

Interim Measures for Ongoing Competitions

As an immediate interim solution, Sri Lanka Rugby has decided to request two foreign referees from Asia Rugby to officiate matches from the Super Round stage onwards in the current competition structure. This move aims to ensure neutrality, consistency, and fairness during decisive matches while local referee capacity is strengthened.

Role of Referees’ Society Recognised

The Executive Committee also acknowledged the long-standing contribution of the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees, confirming that the organisation will continue to play a key role in grassroots referee development and education within the revised framework.

Focus on Match Integrity and Player Safety

Sri Lanka Rugby emphasised that the approved reforms are part of a broader effort to enhance match integrity, player safety, and public confidence in officiating, as well as to align local rugby administration with international standards.

The final implementation of the National Referee Development Plan and the Elite Referee Panel remains subject to formal approval by the Sri Lanka Rugby Council

England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

England have opted for continuity and stability by retaining Harry Brook as captain for their white-ball tour of Sri Lanka in 2026, as preparations intensify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup later that year.

The tour, which forms a key part of England’s World Cup build-up, will feature three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals, with matches scheduled to be played in Colombo and Kandy. With Sri Lanka set to co-host the global tournament alongside India, the series is expected to serve as a valuable rehearsal under subcontinent conditions.

Balanced Squads with an Eye on the Future

England’s selections reflect a careful blend of experience and emerging talent. Josh Tongue has earned his maiden IT20 call-up following strong domestic performances, while Brydon Carse continues to cement his role as a versatile pace option across formats.

Fast bowler Jofra Archer remains part of England’s long-term World Cup plans and has been named in the provisional ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad, though he will not travel to Sri Lanka as he continues his recovery from injury.

Will Jacks returns to the white-ball setup after missing England’s previous assignment, adding depth to both the batting and bowling units, while Zak Crawley’s recall to the ODI squad marks his return to the format after more than two years.

Experience Key in Subcontinent Conditions

Senior figures Jos Buttler and Joe Root provide leadership and experience, particularly important as England fine-tune combinations and roles in conditions similar to those expected during the World Cup.

Spin is expected to play a decisive role throughout the series, with Adil Rashid and Liam Dawson likely to shoulder major responsibility. England’s batting group will focus on adapting to slower surfaces, where shot selection and strike rotation will be critical.

Tour Schedule and World Cup Focus

England’s tour party is scheduled to depart on January 18, 2026, with the series getting underway at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. As the countdown to the World Cup continues, the Sri Lanka tour represents an important opportunity for England to build momentum, establish clarity in selection, and gain confidence under Brook’s leadership.

England Men’s IT20 Squad – Sri Lanka Tour & Provisional ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer* (ICC Men’s T20 World Cup only), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse* (Sri Lanka tour only), Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Josh Tongue, Luke Wood

England Men’s ODI Squad – Sri Lanka Tour

Harry Brook (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Luke Wood