Fresh begin: Even although Athapaththu took Sri Lanka to larger heights, this ODI World Cup will likely be her first as captain.
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If misfortune denied Sri Lanka a spot in the 2022 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, its path to the present one was earned by means of advantage, not luck. The Islanders missed out after the qualifiers for that version in Zimbabwe was known as off in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
An spectacular fifth-place end in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022/23-25, constructed on 9 wins and 22 factors, secured Sri Lanka its best-ever rating and computerized qualification.
Sri Lanka now prepares for its seventh look on the marquee match. As co-hosts alongside India, the Lankans, gearing up for his or her seventh ODI World Cup look, will profit from house situations as 5 of their seven group video games are scheduled on the R. Premadasa Stadium.
Under Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership, the aspect has scaled new heights, successful the Women’s T20 Asia Cup final 12 months and reaching the ultimate of a house tri-series towards India, the place it even managed a win over the eventual champion.
Yet, the 50-over showpiece would be the 35-year-old star’s first as captain. The all-rounder spearheads a core of skilled performers and promising children. Her particular person brilliance usually swings matches, however the remainder of the group possesses the potential to attain extra.
Harshita Samarawickrama and Nilakshika de Silva will anchor the batting, whereas wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani, who serves as Athapaththu’s deputy, provides stability behind the stumps.
Several gamers are set to make their World Cup debuts as nicely, together with Kavisha Dilhari and Dewmi Vihanga.
On subcontinental pitches that historically favour spin, Sri Lanka seems well-stocked.
Inoka Ranaweera, who led Sri Lanka on the 2017 World Cup, brings each expertise and guile together with her sluggish left-arm spin. She will likely be ably supported by Athapaththu’s off-spin and Sugandika Kumari’s left-arm orthodox.
In the tempo division, veteran left-armer Udeshika Prabodhani offers expertise with the new ball, whereas Achini Kulasuriya provides accuracy and management.
With expertise, balance, and house benefit, Sri Lanka will likely be keen to show potential into improved efficiency.
The squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Capt.), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, and Achini Kulasuriya.
Sri Lanka’s fixtures: Sept. 30: vs India (Guwahati); Oct. 4: Australia (Colombo); Oct. 11: England (Colombo); Oct. 14: New Zealand (Colombo); Oct. 17: South Africa (Colombo); Oct. 20: Bangladesh (Navi Mumbai); Oct. 24: Pakistan (Colombo).
(The 50-over ICC Women’s World Cup will likely be held in India and Sri Lanka from Sept. 30 to Nov. 2).
Published – September 21, 2025 10:52 pm IST