Sri Lanka announces Chamari Athapaththu-led strong 15-member squad for Women’s World Cup 2025

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Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, with star all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu set to lead the side. The tournament, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on September 30, and the Islanders will open their campaign against India in Guwahati.

A major highlight of the squad announcement is the return of veteran left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a hamstring injury. The veteran last featured for Sri Lanka during the Women’s T20 World Cup in October 2024 and hasn’t played an ODI since the Ireland tour in August the same year. Her comeback is expected to strengthen the pace department, which also features Achini Kulasuriya and Malki Madara.

The squad also sees the inclusion of Imesha Dulani, who was left out of the tri-series earlier this year against India and South Africa. The 23-year-old batter has been recalled, replacing 17-year-old Manudi Nanayakkara, and is expected to provide cover in the middle order.

Meanwhile, players such as Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Hansima Karunaratne, and spinner Inoshi Fernando missed out on selection. Despite Inoshi’s absence, Sri Lanka have ensured depth in spin bowling with the experienced trio of Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, and promising youngster Dewmi Vihanga.

The core of Sri Lanka’s batting remains consistent, with captain Athapaththu leading from the front. She will be supported by the experienced Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, Vishmi Gunaratne, and Kavisha Dilhari.

Wicketkeeper-batter Anushka Sanjeewani and young batter Piumi Wathsala add further balance to the middle and lower order, giving the side both stability and flexibility in their line-up. With Athapaththu and Dilhari offering all-round skills, Sri Lanka appear well-prepared to tackle varied conditions across the two host nations.

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Sri Lanka will begin their journey against India on September 30 in Guwahati before returning home for four consecutive matches in Colombo. Their campaign will then take them to Navi Mumbai for a clash against Bangladesh, followed by their final group-stage encounter against Pakistan back in Colombo.

The team’s management expressed confidence in the blend of experience and youth within the squad. With Athapaththu’s explosive batting, Prabodhani’s return to lead the seam attack, and an array of spin options, Sri Lanka will be aiming to challenge higher-ranked teams and make a mark in this edition of the World Cup.

Sri Lanka squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera, Achini Kulasuriya, Piumi Wathsala, Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.