Bangladesh Women face Sri Lanka Women in a vital World Cup dress rehearsal at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground. Both teams will be eager to gauge form and readiness ahead of the main event, having recently featured in competitive series across Asia. The warm-up setting provides a crucial opportunity for each side to finalize their best playing XI and build momentum for the tournament’s pressure matches.
Bangladesh, led by the experienced Nigar Sultana Joty, will depend on all-rounder Fahima Khatun and young bowler Marufa Akter to offer control and breakthroughs. Sri Lanka will look to the steadiness of skipper Chamari Athapaththu and the inventive spin of Inoka Ranaweera to seize the initiative on home turf. Both teams are likely to rotate bowlers and give their bench players exposure, but a sharp showing from the top order will be needed in Colombo’s run-friendly conditions.
Squads:
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Imesha Dulani, Nilakshika Silva, Vishmi Gunarathne, Chamari Athapaththu, Dewmi Vihanga, Kavisha Dilhari, Piumi Wathsala, Anushka Sanjeewani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani
Bangladesh Women’s Cricket Team
Farzana Haque, Sharmin Akhter, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, Fahima Khatun, Mst Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty, Rubya Haider, Fariha Trisna, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Rabeya Khan, Shanjida Akther Maghla
Players to watch out:
Harshitha Samarawickrama
Harshitha Samarawickrama has established herself as a vital asset for Sri Lanka. She has appeared in 41 WODI matches, accumulating 1,075 runs at an average of 30.71. Her tally includes 5 half-centuries and a top score of 105 runs, showcasing her ability to stabilize the innings with steady performances and contribute crucial runs under pressure. Her balanced approach between aggression and composure often provides the team with valuable starts or finishing touches.
Chamari Athapaththu
Chamari Athapaththu is one of the key players for Sri Lanka. She has played 115 Women’s ODIs, scoring 3,877 runs at an impressive average of 35.24. Her batting record includes 9 centuries and 19 half-centuries, demonstrating her ability to play consistent and match-defining innings. Known for her aggressive style, Athapaththu holds a top score of 195 not out—an unbeaten knock against South Africa in 2024 that ranks as one of the highest scores in women’s ODIs. She has also taken 45 ODI wickets, making her a genuine all-round threat.
Nigar Sultana Joty
Nigar Sultana has played 58 Women’s ODIs, scoring 1,317 runs at an average of 28.02 with a strike rate of 57.04. She scored her maiden ODI century, 101, against Thailand in the 2025 World Cup Qualifier. As a wicketkeeper-batter and captain for Bangladesh, she is known for her steady batting, sharp glove work with 31 catches and 22 stumpings, and tactical acumen. Under her leadership, Bangladesh has risen competitively in women’s cricket, securing important wins in World Cup qualifiers and series against strong teams.
Fahima Khatun
Fahima Khatun is a Bangladeshi all-rounder who has played 49 Women’s ODIs, scoring 349 runs at a modest average of 12.03 with a top score of unbeaten 46. She bowls right-arm leg break and has taken 35 wickets at an average of 34.34 with best bowling figures of 5/21. Known for her ability to contribute valuable lower order runs and crucial breakthroughs with the ball, Fahima remains a key player for Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
Pitch:
The pitch at Colombo Cricket Club Ground in Colombo is typically known for its dry surface, which tends to assist spin bowlers as matches progress. Early on, the pitch can offer a bit of pace and carry for seamers, but it generally flattens out and becomes very batter-friendly, with the run-scoring potential rising through the middle overs, also bringing spinners into play.
Weather:
Weather in Colombo indicates persistent periods of rain throughout the day, which could lead to interruptions or delays. The sky will remain heavily overcast with high humidity and moderate winds, making conditions muggy and challenging.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Farzana Haque, Sharmin Akhter, Sumaiya Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nigar Sultana Joty, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, Vishmi Gunarathne, Chamari Athapaththu, Dewmi Vihanga
Match Details:
Date – September 27, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
Broadcast – TBC
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