Sri Lanka may have opened their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a defeat against India in Guwahati, but for veteran Udeshika Prabodhani, the game marked a moment of personal triumph. The left-arm seamer, who returned figures of 2/55, became the oldest Sri Lankan seamer to claim a wicket at a Women’s ODI World Cup, doing so at the age of 40 years and 10 days.
Her achievement not only highlights her longevity at the highest level but also places her among an elite group of cricketers who have stretched their international careers into their forties.
In the long history of the Women’s ODI World Cup, only a handful of players have managed to take wickets in their 40s, and Prabodhani now joins this rare club:
- Kay Green (New Zealand) – 45 years 296 days vs Young England, July 1973
- Envis Williams (West Indies) – 42 years 169 days vs Australia, March 2005
- Enid Bakewell (England) – 41 years 35 days vs India, January 1982
- Verena Felicien (West Indies) – 40 years 136 days vs Sri Lanka, March 2005
- Udeshika Prabodhani (Sri Lanka) – 40 years 10 days vs India, September 2025
By breaking into this list, Prabodhani not only sets a national record for Sri Lanka but also reaffirms the value of experience in a tournament often dominated by emerging talent.
Since making her debut, Prabodhani has been a constant presence in Sri Lanka’s pace attack. From 66 ODI innings, she has claimed 38 wickets, with the best of 3/35. While her numbers may not match the towering figures of spinners who dominate the women’s game, her role has always been about leading from the front with the new ball, providing early breakthroughs, and holding her nerve in tough conditions.
Her two wickets against India in the World Cup opener were a reminder of her enduring ability to trouble batters. First, she struck early to dismiss star opener Smriti Mandhana (8) and later removed maiden half-century scorer Amanjot Kaur (57), ensuring that Sri Lanka kept breaking through at crucial stages. Though India eventually regrouped to win by 59 runs (DLS method), Prabodhani’s strikes kept Sri Lanka alive in the contest and added weight to an otherwise challenging day for the side.
At 40, Prabodhani’s presence in the squad is about more than just bowling figures. She serves as a mentor for Sri Lanka’s younger generation of bowlers, setting an example through her discipline, work ethic, and commitment to fitness. In a sport where fast bowlers often fade in their early thirties, her achievement stands as a testament to longevity and resilience.
With Sri Lanka now preparing for their next clash against Australia, Prabodhani’s milestone is likely to inspire her teammates. For a side in transition, her experience and ability to rise to the occasion are invaluable assets.
In cricket’s record books, the 2025 Women’s World Cup opener will be remembered not only for India’s victory but also for Udeshika Prabodhani’s entry into a rare and prestigious list of veterans who defied time and continued to make an impact at the world stage.
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