As the cricketing world steadily inches closer to the much-anticipated marquee ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, all eyes now turn to the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka, set to kick off on April 27. Serving as a crucial series ahead of the global showpiece later this year, the tri-nation contest features hosts Sri Lanka, heavyweights India, and a formidable South African side. The opening clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo between Sri Lanka and India promises to set the tone for what is expected to be a sensational and highly competitive series.
Chamari Athapaththu-led Sri Lanka will be eager to leave an imprint on home soil against a well-balanced Indian unit led by Harmanpreet Kaur. Both teams come into the encounter with a mix of experience and emerging talent, and with World Cup spots and momentum on the line, the intensity in the sub-continent is bound to be high.
Squads:
Sri Lanka Women Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Manudi Nanayakkara, Hasini Perera, Achini Kulasuriya, Piumi Badalge, Dewmi Vihanga, Hansima Karunaratne, Malki Madara, Inoshi Priyadarshini, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Inoka Ranaweera
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, N Shree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay
Players to watch out:
Chamari Athapaththu
Heartbeat of Sri Lankan women’s cricket, Chamari Athapaththu will no doubt hold the aces in the series opener. A trailblazer in women’s cricket, she brings experience, flair, and fearless intent to the crease. With 420 runs in her last 10 ODIs at an impressive average of 46.67 and a strike rate nearing 100, Chamari has been in scintillating form. Her explosive power-hitting and ability to take on world-class attacks make her a real threat to India. As captain, she’ll be expected to lead from the front — both with the bat and with her unwavering spirit.
Harshitha Samarawickrama
In rapid time, Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama has quietly but confidently cemented her place as a key pillar in Sri Lanka’s top order. The elegant left-handed batter has been in sublime touch lately, scoring 350 runs in her last 9 ODIs at a remarkable average of 58.33 and a steady strike rate of 75.59. Known for her composure and classy stroke play, Samarawickrama thrives under pressure — a quality she showcased in Sri Lanka’s historic Asia Cup triumph, where she played a match-winning knock of 69* against India in the final. As the tri-series begins, all eyes will be on her to anchor the innings and provide much-needed stability at the top.
Deepti Sharma
Bringing experience with her all-round abilities, Deepti Sharma makes herself a vital asset for India in One Day Internationals, where she has consistently delivered more impactful performances as compared to the shortest format. The 27-year-old has been in fine rhythm, scalping 21 wickets in her last 9 ODIs at an economy of 4.64 and a strike rate of 22.76 — numbers that underline her match-winning potential with the crafty off-spin bowling. Her ability to contribute with the bat as a reliable left-hander adds further value to the Indian lineup. In the longer format, where her game truly thrives, she remains one to watch.
Pratika Rawal
Pratika Rawal burst onto the international scene with a flair that has captured attention across the cricketing world. Making her debut against the West Indies, she impressed right away with her composure and strokeplay. But it was during the Ireland series that she truly announced her arrival, slamming a maiden century in the third and final ODI. In just 6 matches, the young sensation has already notched up 3 fifties and a hundred, boasting a staggering batting average of 74. With such a dream start to her career, Rawal is fast emerging as India’s next big thing — and a player to keep a close eye on in the tri-series.
Pitch:
The surface at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is known for dishing high-scoring encounters. Historically, the average score in ODIs hovers around the 230-run mark, however, modern-day cricket has seen the surface as a joy to bat on. Spinners have extracted more help from the surface than the batters, and teams winning the toss could elect to bat first. Defending an above-par score is easier at the stadium.
Weather:
There are slight chances of rain playing spoilsport in the game, with 35% chances of precipitation. Temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 68% are anticipated for the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Harshitha Madavi Samarawickrama, Chamari Athapatuthu, Deepti Sharma, Kavisha Dilhari, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy
Match details:
Date – April 27, 2025
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast – Fans in India can catch the action live on FanCode, while the match will be available for live streaming globally on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
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