Harmanpreet Kaur made history on December 21, 2025, by becoming the first Indian cricketer to feature in 350 international matches. She achieved this remarkable feat during India’s first T20I against Sri Lanka at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
This match marks the first time India has taken the field since their victorious campaign in the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup. With this appearance, Harmanpreet Kaur etched her name into Indian cricket history.
A Historic Milestone
Kaur’s achievement makes her only the second player ever to feature in 350 or more international games. New Zealand’s Suzie Bates holds the top spot with 355 international matches, while Kaur now sits comfortably at 350 matches.
Other notable players on the list include:
- Ellyse Perry (347 matches)
- Mithali Raj (333 matches)
- Sophie Devine (305 matches)
This achievement places Harmanpreet among the elite few who have had such a distinguished and sustained career on the international cricketing stage.
The First T20I Against Sri Lanka
In the first T20I of the series, India won the toss and opted to bowl first, with Harmanpreet Kaur citing dew conditions as the reason behind the decision. “We want to bowl. Dew will be a factor here, and secondly, we are playing with 3 pacers. So, let’s see how they are going to use these conditions,” Kaur said at the toss.
She also announced that Vaishnavi Sharma, a star from the U19 Women’s World Cup, would be making her debut for India in this match.
India’s Strategy and Team Lineup
India’s line-up featured several established players, with Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, and Jemimah Rodrigues providing the batting depth. Kaur also expressed confidence in her team’s preparations and the young talent coming into the squad, emphasizing their focus on playing fearless cricket.
On the other side, Sri Lanka was led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, who expressed hope for her team’s performance, especially from 17-year-old Gimhani.
Sri Lanka Women (Playing XI): Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushani Nuthyangana (w), Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Kawya Kavindi, Shashini Gimhani
India Women (Playing XI): Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Vaishnavi Sharma, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
Looking Ahead
As Harmanpreet Kaur continues to break barriers and lead India, her legacy grows even more inspiring. The team’s approach to fearless cricket and the inclusion of new players is expected to shape India’s future in international women’s cricket.
