Sri Lanka Unveils 17-member Squad For Women’s ODI Tri-series Against India And South Africa

As the countdown to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 intensifies, Sri Lanka have signaled their intent with a bold and strategic squad overhaul. Following a disappointing tour of New Zealand, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has named a revamped 17-member squad for the upcoming Women’s ODI tri-series against India and South Africa. The tournament, set to begin on April 27 in Colombo, serves as a pivotal preparatory platform for the island nation to build momentum ahead of the global showpiece event in India.

In a sweeping shake-up, selectors have made eight changes to the squad that toured New Zealand earlier this year. With a clear message of accountability and ambition, Sri Lanka’s team management has opted for a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers as they strive to recalibrate their campaign after a rocky series abroad.

A Much-Needed Reset After New Zealand

Sri Lanka’s recent tour of New Zealand was marred by inconsistency and underperformance, especially in the ODI format. Despite a spirited win in the T20I leg, the ODI series underscored persistent issues with both bat and ball. With the Women’s World Cup just months away, the tri-series provides the perfect springboard to test revamped strategies, assess player combinations, and build confidence.

This context makes the changes to the squad not just necessary—but urgent. Eight players from the New Zealand tour have been axed, as selectors look to bring fresh energy and sharper execution into the fold.

New Blood & A Promising Debutant: Malki Madara Steps Up

Among the most exciting aspects of this overhaul is the maiden ODI call-up of off-spinner Malki Madara. The 22-year-old caught the attention of selectors and fans alike with her disciplined and aggressive bowling in the T20Is against New Zealand. Her standout performances, particularly in the middle overs, played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s only victory of the tour.

Madara’s inclusion is not only a nod to her rising stock in Sri Lankan cricket, but also reflects the team’s intent to strengthen their spin attack—a traditional strength they’ll want to lean on heavily during the home tri-series and beyond.

Experience Recalled: Stability Amidst Change

While the headlines are dominated by fresh faces, the recall of several seasoned campaigners is equally significant. Leading the list is the ever-reliable Nilakshi Silva, a batter known for her temperament under pressure and experience in the middle order. Her calm presence will be vital, especially against the formidable bowling attacks of India and South Africa.

Hasini Perera, another stalwart, also returns to the ODI side. Her aggressive stroke play and adaptability in the top order provide Chamari Athapaththu’s side with much-needed depth.

Then there’s Vishmi Gunaratne, one of the brightest young batting talents in Sri Lanka, making her way back into the ODI setup. A technically sound player with a natural flair for scoring, Gunaratne could be key to anchoring innings and rotating strike—two areas where Sri Lanka struggled during the New Zealand tour.

Veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera, whose variations and guile have made her a mainstay in Sri Lanka’s bowling unit over the years, also reclaims her place. Her presence offers not just control on the field but also invaluable mentorship to the newer crop of spinners.

The return of all-rounders Piumi Wathsala and Dewmi Vihanga, as well as middle-order batter Hansima Karunaratne, further reinforces the core of the team. These players bring with them both versatility and experience, helping bridge the gap between the youthful exuberance and seasoned pragmatism.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu: The Steady Beacon

At the helm remains Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s talismanic captain and undisputed match-winner. Athapaththu’s leadership has often been tested amid team transitions, but her individual brilliance and fighting spirit have kept Sri Lanka competitive even in the most challenging of circumstances.

As the team enters this critical tri-series, much will again depend on her form—both as a batter and a leader. Her ability to marshal the troops, absorb pressure, and lead from the front will be instrumental if Sri Lanka is to pose a genuine challenge to cricketing giants India and South Africa.

The Strategic Importance of the Tri-Series

Scheduled to kick off on April 27, the Women’s ODI tri-series comes at a crucial juncture for all three teams. With the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 looming large, each side will look to fine-tune tactics, test bench strength, and finalize their best playing XIs.

For Sri Lanka, the stakes are even higher. Playing at home gives them a rare advantage, and this is a golden opportunity to turn form and fan support into a competitive edge. The pitches in Colombo are likely to favor spin, which should suit the Lankan bowlers, especially with the likes of Ranaweera, Madara, and Kumari in the ranks.

Facing teams like India, with their dominant batting lineup, and South Africa, known for their athleticism and pace bowling, will expose Sri Lanka to high-pressure match scenarios—ideal preparation for the bigger battles that lie ahead.

Complete Squad Breakdown: Blending Youth & Experience

Here’s a closer look at the 17-member Sri Lankan squad for the tri-series:

Batters

Chamari Athapaththu (c) – The aggressive left-hander and leader.
Vishmi Gunaratne – Stylish top-order batter with solid technique.
Harshitha Samarawickrama – Elegant batter who can play anchor or aggressor.
Nilakshi Silva – Dependable middle-order batter.
Hasini Perera – Experienced batter returning to strengthen the top order.
Hansima Karunaratne – Middle-order stability and experience.

All-Rounders

Kavisha Dilhari – Dynamic player with potential to shine in both departments.
Piumi Wathsala – Returning all-rounder offering balance.
Dewmi Vihanga – Another all-round option adding versatility.

Wicketkeepers

Anushka Sanjeewani – Reliable behind the stumps and capable batter.
Manudi Nanayakkara – Young talent providing back-up options.

Spinners

Inoka Ranaweera – Veteran left-arm spinner returning to lead the spin attack.
Inoshi Fernando – Off-spinner known for consistency.
Malki Madara – The debutant to watch; fresh off a strong T20I showing.
Sugandika Kumari – Left-arm orthodox spinner, adds variety to the bowling unit.

Pacers

Rashmika Sewwandi – Medium pacer with swing and control.
Achini Kulsuriya – One of the main fast-bowling options with a decent ODI record.

Key Areas to Watch in the Tri-Series

1. Middle-Order Solidity

With the return of Nilakshi Silva and Hansima Karunaratne, Sri Lanka will hope to address one of their biggest issues: collapses in the middle overs. Their ability to build partnerships and pace innings could define the team’s competitiveness.

2. Spin Strength

With Madara, Ranaweera, Fernando, and Kumari, Sri Lanka will bank heavily on spin-friendly conditions. Their variations, if effectively deployed, could trouble batters from both India and South Africa.

3. Bowling at the Death

The addition of Sewwandi and Kulsuriya suggests a renewed focus on controlling the death overs—an area where Sri Lanka leaked too many runs in recent outings.

4. Athapaththu’s Leadership

With a rebuilt team and a tournament of high importance, Chamari’s captaincy will be under the microscope. Her tactical decisions, especially field placements and bowling changes, will be critical.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Opportunity for Sri Lanka Women

As Sri Lanka prepare to host two cricketing heavyweights, their squad overhaul signals a renewed ambition—an urgent push to leave past inconsistencies behind and forge a new identity. With World Cup dreams in their sights and home fans rallying behind them, this tri-series is more than just a warm-up. It is a trial by fire, a platform for redemption, and perhaps, a launchpad for glory.

Sri Lanka have the talent. Now, with the right mix of experience, youth, and leadership, they must convert potential into performance. For the fans, the upcoming matches in Colombo promise gripping contests and, hopefully, the reawakening of a team determined to rise.

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