Inoka Ranaweera reached a landmark on 25 July 2026, becoming only the second Sri Lankan woman after Shashikala Siriwardene to take 100 One-Day International wickets when she dismissed Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali in the second ODI at Hambantota, a match Sri Lanka won by eight wickets to level the series 1-1.
The left-arm orthodox veteran, who made her ODI debut on 25 April 2012 against the West Indies at Bridgetown, entered the game needing just one more scalp and left Hambantota with a century of wickets to her name, having now claimed 100 wickets from 89 innings at an average of 31.81 and an economy of 4.48 across 94 matches, the 2nd highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka in the ODI format.
Inoka Ranaweera’s journey to three-figure ODI wickets has been characterised by persistence, accuracy and the steady craft of left-arm spin. Across her career, she has produced four four-wicket hauls, the standout being her spell of 10-0-39-4 against India at Pallekele on 1 July 2022, a performance that underlined her ability to control the middle overs even in high-pressure encounters, despite Sri Lanka falling short in that game. At Hambantota, she didn’t replicate the fireworks of that 2022 spell, but her figures of 10-0-60-1 were effective and timely, removing Muneeba Ali (45 off 62) to secure the landmark wicket and blunt Pakistan’s charge in the 1st innings.
That dismissal was more than a personal milestone; it was a reminder of Ranaweera’s value to Sri Lanka’s bowling unit over more than a decade. Her controlled economy of 4.48 in ODIs speaks to the role she plays, not only as a wicket-taker but as a soldier who builds pressure, ties down batters and creates chances for others. At 40, her longevity and fitness are notable in a game increasingly defined by youth and power; she combines experience with subtle variations and a deep understanding of pitch conditions, which has allowed her to remain a frontline option for successive Sri Lankan sides.
The timing of the milestone is also significant for the current series. Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, are hosting Pakistan, captained by Fatima Sana, in a white-ball contest that runs from 23 July to 4 August 2026 and includes three ODIs followed by three T20Is. Ranaweera’s century of wickets arrives as Sri Lanka fight to regain consistency in the 50-over format and will bolster team morale after the series’ second match swung back in their favour.
For Ranaweera personally, crossing the 100-wicket threshold places her in an elite national bracket alongside Siriwardene, a former captain and trailblazer for Sri Lankan women’s cricket. It also reframes her legacy: beyond headline-grabbing performances, she is a durable workhorse whose cumulative contributions, a blend of crucial breakthroughs, tight spells and mentoring presence, have sustained Sri Lanka’s bowling depth through transitions in personnel and leadership.
As the series progresses, Ranaweera’s role will be watched closely. Whether she adds to the century quickly or lets the milestone sit as a symbol of career-long consistency, her achievement at Hambantota is a fitting testament to a long and productive ODI career, one built on craft, resilience and an unwavering commitment to Sri Lankan cricket.
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