Sri Lanka have named their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with Chamari Athapaththu aiming for what could be her final chance at glory. Featuring a strong core of senior players mixed with youthful energy, the team looks balanced as they prepare to co-host the prestigious event alongside India.
Sri Lanka officially announced their squad for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which begins on September 30. After missing the 2022 edition, the island nation will be determined to make its mark, bringing together its most trusted performers with a new generation of players ready to step onto the world stage.
Athapaththu’s pursuit of history
Chamari Athapaththu, the talismanic all-rounder and leader, will captain Sri Lanka in an ODI World Cup for the very first time. With 3,877 runs at an average of 35.24 in her ODI career, she is already the nation’s leading run-scorer by a considerable margin. Athapaththu has consistently been the difference between victory and defeat for her side. At 35 years of age, this tournament could be her last World Cup, fueling her desire to deliver a career-defining campaign. Having led Sri Lanka to success in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup last year, Athapaththu has shown her ability to inspire and lead from the front. With the backing of home crowds and familiar conditions, she is preparing to give everything for one more shot at glory.
A core built on experience
The squad benefits from the presence of an experienced core to complement Athapaththu’s leadership. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva will serve as the backbone of the batting lineup. Anushka Sanjeewani, who impressed during the home tri-series against India and South Africa, will take the gloves as wicketkeeper and add depth in the middle order. As vice-captain, she will also provide vital support to Athapaththu. Inoka Ranaweera, Sri Lanka’s veteran spinner who once captained the team in the 2017 edition, adds valuable experience and skill with her slow left-arm spin, which remains a vital weapon in subcontinental conditions.
Youthful energy and debutants
Sri Lanka’s selectors have also placed faith in emerging stars. Five players will make their World Cup debuts, including Kavisha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunaratne, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, and Malki Madara. Dilhari, long seen as a future star, debuted at 17 and now has seven years of international experience. With a batting average of 28.29 and a bowling average of 33.82, she has developed into a promising all-rounder. Vihanga, meanwhile, grabbed attention with her exploits in the 2023 ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup. Having made her senior debut in May this year, she already boasts 11 wickets from just four ODIs, establishing herself as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting young bowlers.
Spin remains central
Spin has always been Sri Lanka’s strength, and the squad features an impressive arsenal. Ranaweera will lead the spin attack with her experience, while Athapaththu offers off-spin options in addition to her batting. Sugandika Kumari’s orthodox left-arm spin will play a key role in controlling the middle overs. Youngsters Dilhari and Vihanga will add fresh energy with their variations, giving Sri Lanka plenty of tactical choices to exploit slow subcontinental pitches.
Tournament opener against India
Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign begins with a high-voltage clash against co-hosts India on September 30 in Guwahati. The opening game promises to be a blockbuster and will test Sri Lanka’s readiness to compete at the highest level. With experienced heads and fearless debutants, they will look to set the tone for their campaign early on.
Sri Lanka squad: 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. Reserve: Inoshi Fernando.
For Sri Lanka, the road ahead will be challenging, but the squad’s balance between seasoned professionals and fearless youngsters offers optimism. If Athapaththu continues her remarkable form, if the batting lineup provides stability, and if the spin unit capitalizes on conditions, the island nation could well script a memorable World Cup journey.
