Sri Lanka enters the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 as the world’s sixth-ranked side, returning to the big stage after missing the previous edition in New Zealand. With the tournament being co-hosted by them as well, the Islanders carry not just their own ambitions but also the pride of playing in packed home stadiums.
Their campaign begins on September 30 in Guwahati against India, a tough challenge that could set the tone for what follows. Chamari Athapaththu, one of the most explosive batters in the women’s game and the nation’s leading run-getter, will be at the heart of their journey. For the first time, she will captain her side in a 50-over World Cup.
In March, the team toured New Zealand for a three-match ODI series, losing by a margin of 2-0. The group had the opportunity to rebound as they hosted India and South Africa in a three-match tri-series at home. The side performed decently well, finishing as the runners-up with two wins from four matches played in the series. Harshitha Samarawickrama batted well for 203 runs in five matches at an average of 40.60 to be the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka.
Rising star Dewmi Vihanga was one of the standout performers in the series. She took 11 wickets from just four matches at an excellent average of 18.81 to be the second leading wicket-taker of the tournament, while left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari provided useful support, contributing with six wickets at a good economy of 5.22.
In their notable victories, Kavisha Dilhari’s composed 62 against South Africa anchored the middle order, whereas Athapaththu herself turned the tide against India with a crucial spell of 3 wickets. Adding the finishing touches to that memorable triumph, Nilakshika Silva blazed her way to a match-winning 56 off just 33 balls, sealing one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished wins in recent times.
The team is in a great position to provide a few surprises as a strong dark horse team at the World Cup but may not go deep into the tournament. Much will depend on Athapaththu’s captaincy and performance, and the players around the captain will need to perform.
On top of that, from June 2022 until August 2024, Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne accounted for 47 per cent of the team’s total runs in 23 matches. Although Sri Lanka relies heavily on those players, there is a need for new players to help support them. If the bowling unit continues to grow, and the batters around Athapaththu can perform regularly, then Sri Lanka can knock off a few of the stronger teams and make some noise.
In the past, Sri Lanka has not been very competitive against the big teams in women’s cricket. They have played 35 games against India, winning just 4 and losing 31, while with Australia, they are 0-11, and they have only won one of their 20 games against England. All of this adds to the difficult task that Sri Lanka has to make a deep run in the World Cup. While it may be hard to challenge for an overall title, the team has shown some moments of resilience that gives the heavyweights a run for the money in the high-pressure tournament.
Sri Lanka’s Fixtures at Women’s World Cup 2025:
30 September 2025: vs India – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
4 October 2025: vs Australia – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
11 October 2025: vs England – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
14 October 2025: vs New Zealand – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
17 October 2025: vs South Africa – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
20 October 2025: vs Bangladesh – Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
24 October 2025: vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka’s squad for Women’s World Cup 2025:
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya
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