Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup 2025, which will get underway from September 30. The selectors have chosen a team that blends experienced players with proven performers. Veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu will captain the side.
The tournament will feature eight teams competing for ultimate title. Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, will kick off the tournament with a match against India in Guwahati. Australia enter the competition as the defending champions, having defeated England in the final of the 2022 edition.
Sri Lankan squad includes a strong contingent of experienced players such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi De Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani. The batting lineup is further bolstered by the inclusion of Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, and Piumi Wathsala.
The team's bowling attack will be led by Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari, with support from Udeshika Prabodani and Malki Madara. The squad also features Achini Kulasooriya, while Inoshi Fernando has been named as a traveling reserve.
Sri Lanka’s most successful run in the Women’s ODI World Cup was a fifth-place finish in 2013. They also secured sixth place in both 2000 and 2005. The team finished seventh in 2017 and did not qualify for the 2022 tournament. This time, Sri Lanka will be looking to improve on those past performances. The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 will be held at five venues across two countries. India will host matches at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, Holkar Stadium in Indore, ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Sri Lanka's sole venue will be the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The tournament will feature a round-robin format with 28 group matches. Key clashes include Australia vs. New Zealand on October 1 and India vs. Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo. Most matches will begin at 3:00 PM, with the exception of the England vs. New Zealand match on October 26, which is scheduled for an 11:00 AM start.
The semi-finals are set for October 29 and 30. The first semi-final will take place in either Guwahati or Colombo, depending on Pakistan’s advancement, while the second will be in Navi Mumbai. The final is scheduled for November 2 and will be held in Colombo if Pakistan qualifies, or in Navi Mumbai otherwise.
Sri Lanka's squad for Women's World Cup 2025:
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya
Travelling Reserve: Inoshi Fernando