Sri Lanka have unveiled a strong mix of experience and youth as they prepare for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, starting September 30 in India and Sri Lanka.
Chamari Athapaththu, the country’s most decorated batter and all-rounder, will once again lead the side. She is backed by seasoned names such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, and wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani.
The selectors have also recalled veteran seamer Udeshika Prabodhani, who returns after nearly a year out due to a hamstring injury. The 39-year-old last featured in an ODI in August 2024 and played her most recent international match at the T20 World Cup in October the same year.
Batter Imesha Dulani, dropped for the home tri-series earlier this year, has been brought back into the 15-member squad. However, teenagers Rashmika Sewwandi and Manudi Nanayakkara, along with batter Hansima Karunaratne and spinner Inoshi Fernando, missed out.
Sri Lanka 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
Travelling Reserve: Inoshi Fernando
The squad carries a fresh look with multiple players set for their World Cup debut: Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya, and travelling reserve Inoshi Fernando.
Across 31 ODIs since the last World Cup cycle, Sri Lanka registered 11 victories. Athapaththu dominated the charts with 1252 runs, highlighted by her career-best 195*. Nilakshi de Silva followed with 668 runs, while Kavisha Dilhari topped the wicket tally with 26 scalps, closely trailed by Athapaththu’s 22 wickets.
In 2025 alone, the side played eight ODIs. They began with a three-match tour of New Zealand, where they went down 2-0, with Samarawickrama scoring 133 runs and Athapaththu leading the bowling with 3 wickets. This was followed by a home tri-series against India and South Africa in April-May.
From their four games, Sri Lanka secured wins over both visiting teams but fell short in the final against India. Samarawickrama was again prolific, amassing 203 runs in 5 matches, while Dewmi Vihanga claimed 11 wickets in 4 games.
With Prabodhani’s return, Sri Lanka’s pace attack now features a blend of experience and youth. She joins Achini Kulasooriya (35) and Malki Madara (24). In spin, the team boasts variety with Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, along with allround options from Athapaththu and Dilhari.
This will be Sri Lanka’s sixth appearance at the Women’s World Cup since their debut in 1997. Having missed the 2022 edition, they will be keen to make an impact, especially as they have never progressed to the knockout stage.
The team’s preparation begins with warm-up matches against Pakistan on September 25 and Bangladesh on September 27.
Sri Lanka’s Fixtures for Women’s World Cup 2025:
30 September 2025 – vs India – Guwahati
4 October 2025 – vs Australia – Colombo
11 October 2025 – vs England – Colombo
14 October 2025 – vs New Zealand – Colombo
17 October 2025 – vs South Africa – Colombo
20 October 2025 – vs Bangladesh – Navi Mumbai
24 October 2025 – vs Pakistan – Colombo
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