Match No. 3 of the Women’s Tri-Series, played in Sri Lanka, will see a pivotal clash between the hosts and South Africa, with both teams desperate for their maiden points of the series. Sri Lanka are looking to recover after a nine-wicket drubbing at the hands of India in the opener, while South Africa is also coming off a defeat, having fallen short by 15 runs against the same opponent. With a spot on the points table at stake, one team will finally bag two points, while the other faces the setback of back-to-back losses.
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
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Chloe Tryon
Players to watch out:
Kavisha Dilhari
The hosts will be dependent on the services, skill and control of Kavisha Dilhari, their standout right-arm off-break spinner. In recent times, Dilhari has been in impressive form, picking up 14 wickets in her last 8 matches at a miserly economy rate of 4.77 and a strike rate of 26.21. Her ability to tie down batters in the middle overs and restrict the big hitters from accelerating make her a crucial asset for the team.
Vishmi Gunaratne
At just 19 years old, Vishmi Gunaratne has already established herself as a reliable presence at the top of Sri Lanka’s batting order. The right-handed batter has amassed 290 runs in her last 9 matches at an impressive average of 32.22 and a strike rate of 80.33. With her consistent run with the bat, Gunaratne will be pivotal in setting up a solid platform against South Africa’s bowling attack.
Tazmin Brits
South Africa will pin their hopes on Tazmin Brits, right-handed batter who walks in the game with a scintillating century against India in the second game of the series. The right-handed batter smashed 109 off 107 balls, prized with 13 boundaries and 3 sixes, showcasing her power and composure at the crease. Although the knock could not help her team get over the finishing line, Brits’ form will be crucial as the Proteas await the first win of the series.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Nonkululeko Mlaba has emerged as a dependable spin option for South Africa with her slow left-arm orthodox bowling. Over her last 9 ODIs, she has claimed 10 wickets at an economy rate of 5.38 and a strike rate of 40.8, offering control and breakthroughs in the middle overs. In the latest encounter against India, Mlaba picked up 2 wickets while conceding 55 runs in her full quota of 10 overs.
Pitch:
The surface at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium is known for 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.
Weather:
There are chances of rain playing spoilsport in the game, with 49% chances of precipitation. Temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and humidity levels of 68% are anticipated for the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Anushka Sanjeewani, Chamari Athapaththu, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Kavisha Dilhari, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Inoka Ranaweera, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match details:
Date – May 2, 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.
Loves all things female cricket