With both team’s level on 10 points after eight matches in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, the third and final ODI between Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women promises to be a thrilling series decider at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota on July 28. Pakistan Women currently occupy second place courtesy of their superior Net Run Rate of +1.489, while Sri Lanka Women sit third with +0.133. After splitting the opening two matches, both sides head into the finale with everything to play for, from both the series and ODI championship perspectives.
Squads:
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Malki Madara, Nimasha Madapage, Hasini Perera, Inoka Ranaweera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Anushka Sanjeewani, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, Chethana Vimukthi
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Sidra Amin, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani, Waseeda Akhtar, Momina Riasat, Fatima Sana, Saira Jabeen
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu remains the biggest match-winner in the contest. The veteran all-rounder has amassed 4,201 runs in 128 WODIs at an average of 34.43, including nine centuries and 20 half-centuries, with a highest score of 195*. Her aggressive stroke play has produced 543 fours and 65 sixes in the format. With the ball, Chamari has also claimed 58 ODI wickets at an economy of 5.22, making her one of the most complete all-rounders in women’s cricket. Her ability to influence matches with both bat and ball will once again be crucial for Sri Lanka.
Hasini Perera
Hasini Perera has quietly become one of Sri Lanka’s dependable middle-order batters. Across 68 Women’s ODIs, she has scored 1,300 runs at an average of 21.31, including three half-centuries, while striking at 58.98. During the ongoing series she has looked composed against Pakistan’s pace attack and will be expected to anchor the innings if early wickets fall. Her experience in building partnerships could prove invaluable in the series decider.
Sadaf Shamas
Pakistan opener Sadaf Shamas has added stability at the top of the order since making her ODI debut. In 25 Women’s ODIs, she has accumulated 752 runs at an average of 32.69, including one century and five fifties, with a highest score of 101. She has also struck 96 boundaries and maintained a healthy strike rate of 72.37. If Sadaf gets through the new-ball spell, she has the ability to play another match-defining innings.
Fatima Sana
Captain Fatima Sana continues to lead Pakistan’s bowling attack brilliantly. The pace-bowling all-rounder has taken 84 wickets in 63 Women’s ODIs at an excellent average of 28.23, with best figures of 5/39, while maintaining an economy rate of 5.46. With the bat, she has also contributed 814 ODI runs, including five half-centuries, highlighting her value as a genuine all-rounder. Her ability to break partnerships and finish innings strongly makes her Pakistan’s biggest weapon heading into the decider.
Pitch:
The Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota generally offers a balanced surface. Fast bowlers are likely to receive movement during the opening overs, especially under morning conditions, before the pitch settles into a good batting wicket. As the match progresses, spinners usually come into play with the surface providing grip and turn during the middle overs.
Weather:
The conditions in Hambantota are expected to remain warm and humid throughout the day. Temperatures should hover between 29°C and 31°C, with light coastal winds providing some relief. The chances of rain are minimal, meaning a complete game can be expected.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Sidra Amin, Sadaf Shamas, Fatima Sana, Kavisha Dilhari, Nashra Sandhu, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara, Muneeba Ali
Match Details:
Date – July 28, 2026
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota
Broadcast – FanCode app and website
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