Sri Lanka have unveiled a restructured 17-member squad as they brace to host India and South Africa in a high-stakes tri-nation ODI series beginning April 27 in Colombo.
With a fresh mix of youth and experience, the Chamari Athapaththu-led unit aims to bounce back after a disappointing 2-0 ODI series defeat in New Zealand. The home series not only offers a platform for redemption but also serves as a key step in their preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.
Several notable adjustments have been made to the squad that faced the White Ferns. Among the most eye-catching is the inclusion of three uncapped players: 24-year-old spinner Malki Madara, 19-year-old allrounder Dewmi Vihanga, and 29-year-old seamer Piumi Badalge.
Madara, who impressed in the T20I leg of the New Zealand tour with a stunning three-wicket performance on debut, now earns her first ODI call-up. Vihanga brings a dual threat with her spin and lower-order hitting, while Badalge, who captains Panadura CC, finally gets a shot at the international stage.
Veterans Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, and Hansima Karunaratne return to reinforce the squad. Their re-entry comes at the cost of Imesha Dulani, Sachini Nisansala, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Chethana Vimukthi, and the injured Udeshika Prabodhani—each of whom misses out on selection. These changes signal a strategic shift as the hosts look to blend experience with fresh talent ahead of a packed international calendar.
Spin remains Sri Lanka’s biggest strength. Alongside the returning Ranaweera and the debutant Madara, the department features familiar names like Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, and star allrounder Kavisha Dilhari. This spin-heavy arsenal is designed to exploit home conditions and stifle opposition batting line-ups through pressure and variety.
On the pace front, Sri Lanka have named just two specialist seamers: Rashmika Sewwandi, a promising 18-year-old who featured in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, and the more experienced Achini Kulasuriya. Sewwandi, who also offers value with the bat, is one of several youngsters eyeing a breakthrough performance on the big stage.
Batting responsibilities will rest on the shoulders of the experienced top order. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu remains the cornerstone of the line-up, supported by the likes of Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, and wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani. Seventeen-year-old Manudi Nanayakkara also finds a place in the squad after showing promise with a 35-run cameo in New Zealand, adding further depth to the batting unit.
Sri Lanka Squad for Tri-Series:
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
Sri Lanka’s campaign kicks off with a clash against India on Sunday, 27 April in Colombo. They then face South Africa on Friday, 02 May, followed by a rematch with India on Sunday, 04 May. Their final group stage match is against South Africa on Friday, 09 May. Should they secure enough points, they will progress to the final, scheduled for Sunday, 11 May.
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