Sri Lanka will be playing in the Women’s World Cup for the seventh time in their history. The Chamari Athapaththu-led side confirmed their spots by finishing fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship. This time, things are even more important for this Asian side, as they will be co-hosting it alongside India. The team will lock horns with India in Guwahati on September 30, which will be their campaign opener. After missing out on the last edition in 2022 held in New Zealand, veteran Athapaththu will shoulder the hopes of the Island nation to imprint a lasting legacy on home shores.
Strengths
One of the most important factors that Sri Lanka brings to the World Cup is their experienced players in the picked squad. Many of their players have been in the circuit for an ample amount of time and carry a depth of knowledge of sub-continent conditions and how to go about getting the best from one’s abilities.
In terms of the batting line up, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika de Silva will complement Athapaththu’s output, and Anushka Sanjeewani will also hold the aces with the bat and certainly behind the stumps. Sanjeewani showed glimpses of her ability in the home tri-series and will also be acting as vice-captain. On the bowling side, seasoned spinner Inoka Ranaweera adds further depth. Having even captained Sri Lanka in the 2017 World Cup, her experience and left-arm spin will be valuable assets for the team.
Another positive for Sri Lanka is the presence of young talent in their ranks. Kavisha Dilhari, who first played for the national side as a teenager, has now grown into a more mature all-rounder. With seven years of international cricket behind her, she brings balance to the side, capable of contributing with both bat and ball. This World Cup will be a chance for her to truly showcase her potential on the global stage.
Weaknesses
Sri Lanka’s biggest concern going ahead into the World cup will be lack of continuity of players. Several players are walking straight into the marquee tournament without much recent match practice in series that lead to the competition. Left-arm pacer Udeshika Prabodhani, one of the most experienced names in the squad, is making a comeback after a long injury break. Although she featured in the T20 World Cup last year, she hasn’t played an ODI since the Ireland tour back in August 2024.
Similarly, young batter Imesha Dulani, who was left out during the tri-series at home, has been brought back into the squad. This lack of continuity could prove to be a challenge for players who may take time to find their feet in a high-stakes tournament.
Opportunities
Come the World Cup, exciting opportunities knock the doors for sensational youngsters from the squad. The name grabbing the headlines is 18-year-old Dewmi Vihanga. She first caught attention with her performances in the U19 World Cup and has quickly stepped up to the senior side. Despite being relatively new to ODI cricket, she has already made an impact with the ball, picking up 11 wickets in just four matches.
For Sri Lanka, the biggest opportunity lies in the hands of their captain and leading run-scorer in ODIs, Chamari Athapaththu. This will be her first time leading the side in a 50-over World Cup, and her influence, both as a batter and a leader, will be central to how far the team goes. At 35, she knows chances like this may not come again, which makes the home World Cup even more special. Playing in familiar conditions and in front of their own fans, Athapaththu and her team have a golden chance to create history.
Threats
Co-hosts Sri Lanka will endure a demanding start to their campaign, as they will be up against an Indian side that recently got the better of them in the home tri-series. Following which, they will be up against seven-time champions Australia. Succeeding which, they will have to face the heat from England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt’s strong unit. To make matters tougher, their fourth game is against New Zealand, a team that defeated them 2-0 earlier this year.
Such a challenging run of matches at the beginning of the tournament means Sri Lanka will have little room for error, and an early setback could put them under serious pressure in the race for the knockouts.
Sri Lanka’s squad for Women’s World Cup 2025:
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya
Sri Lanka’s Fixtures at Women’s World Cup 2025:
30 September 2025: vs India – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
4 October 2025: vs Australia – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
11 October 2025: vs England – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14 October 2025: vs New Zealand – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
17 October 2025: vs South Africa – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
20 October 2025: vs Bangladesh – Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
24 October 2025: vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
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