Sri Lanka Announce Squad for Pakistan Women’s ODI Series: Sri Lanka have officially named a 15-member squad for their upcoming three-match Women’s ODI series against Pakistan, with captain Chamari Athapaththu once again entrusted to lead the team.
The series, scheduled to begin on July 23 in Hambantota, carries added importance as it forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029, where every point could prove crucial in the race for qualification to the next Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Fresh from an encouraging campaign at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, Sri Lanka will be eager to continue their momentum in the 50-over format. While they narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth due to net run rate, the performances of several key players gave fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future.
The home ODI series against Pakistan presents another valuable opportunity for the Islanders to strengthen their position in the ICC Women’s Championship standings and build confidence ahead of future international assignments.
Chamari Athapaththu Continues as Captain
Sri Lanka’s most experienced cricketer, Chamari Athapaththu, will continue to captain the national side. The veteran all-rounder remains the backbone of Sri Lankan women’s cricket and once again enters the series after delivering outstanding performances on the global stage.
Athapaththu was one of Sri Lanka’s standout performers during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Her consistent run-scoring, aggressive batting style, and leadership helped the team remain in contention for a semi-final place until the final stages of the group phase.
With years of international experience and the ability to influence matches with both bat and ball, Athapaththu will once again be expected to inspire her team against a competitive Pakistan side.
Sri Lanka Looking to Build on Strong World Cup Campaign
Although Sri Lanka did not qualify for the knockout stages of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, their campaign was widely regarded as a positive step forward.
The team finished third in Group B, narrowly missing a place in the semi-finals after losing out to the West Indies on net run rate. Despite the disappointment, Sri Lanka showcased improved consistency, fearless cricket, and strong individual performances throughout the tournament.
Several young players stepped up alongside experienced campaigners, highlighting the depth that Sri Lankan women’s cricket has developed over recent years.
The Pakistan ODI series now offers the perfect platform to convert that progress into valuable ICC Women’s Championship points.
ICC Women’s Championship Points on the Line
The three-match ODI series is not just another bilateral contest.
Every match contributes directly to the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029, which determines qualification for future ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup events.
Sri Lanka currently occupy third place in the championship standings with eight points from six matches, placing them in a strong position early in the competition.
A successful series against Pakistan would significantly boost their qualification hopes while strengthening their confidence against another major Asian rival.
Experienced Core Retained
Sri Lanka have largely retained the squad that impressed during the recent T20 World Cup.
Several experienced names continue to form the backbone of the team, providing stability in both batting and bowling departments.
Key Players in the Squad
- Chamari Athapaththu (Captain) – World-class all-rounder and captain.
- Vishmi Gunaratne – Promising opening batter capable of providing solid starts.
- Hasini Perera – Reliable top-order batter with international experience.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama – One of Sri Lanka’s most technically gifted batters.
- Hansima Karunaratne – Experienced middle-order option.
- Kaveesha Dilhari – Valuable all-rounder who contributes in every department.
- Nilakshika Silva – Rewarded after an impressive batting campaign during the T20 World Cup.
- Anushka Sanjeewani – Experienced wicketkeeper-batter.
- Chethana Vimukthi – Provides additional spin-bowling depth.
- Inoka Ranaweera – Veteran left-arm spinner and one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable bowlers.
- Nimasha Meepage
- Imesha Dulani
- Dewmi Vihanga
- Rashmika Sewwandi
- Kawya Kavindi
The combination of experienced players and emerging youngsters reflects Sri Lanka’s long-term strategy of building a balanced squad for future ICC tournaments.
Nilakshika Silva Earns Reward for Excellent Form
One of the biggest positives from Sri Lanka’s recent T20 World Cup campaign was the emergence of Nilakshika Silva.
The left-handed batter produced several valuable innings under pressure and established herself as one of the team’s most dependable middle-order players.
Her inclusion in the ODI squad comes as no surprise, with selectors rewarding consistent performances on the international stage.
If she continues her current form, Silva could become one of Sri Lanka’s most influential batters throughout the ICC Women’s Championship cycle.
Surprise Omission: Mithali Ayodhya Misses Out
Perhaps the biggest talking point surrounding Sri Lanka’s squad announcement is the absence of 19-year-old fast bowler Mithali Ayodhya.
The young pacer impressed many observers during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with her unique sling-arm bowling action and fearless approach.
Ayodhya claimed four wickets during the tournament and emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s exciting young prospects.
Despite her encouraging performances, the selectors have opted to leave her out of the ODI squad, suggesting they may prefer a more experienced bowling attack for the longer format.
Her omission is likely to generate discussion among fans, but at just 19 years of age, she remains an important part of Sri Lanka’s future plans.
Pakistan Faces Tough Challenge in Hambantota
Pakistan will arrive in Sri Lanka knowing that the hosts are full of confidence after their recent international performances.
Playing all three ODIs in Hambantota gives Sri Lanka the advantage of familiar conditions, particularly on pitches that traditionally assist spin bowling.
With experienced spinners like Inoka Ranaweera and all-rounders capable of exploiting home conditions, Sri Lanka will look to dominate the middle overs and put pressure on Pakistan throughout the series.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will be aiming to improve their own position in the ICC Women’s Championship standings, making the series an important contest for both teams.
Sri Lanka Women’s Squad for Pakistan ODI Series
Captain: Chamari Athapaththu
Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Women’s ODI Series Schedule
- 1st ODI: July 23 – Hambantota
- 2nd ODI: July 25 – Hambantota
- 3rd ODI: July 28 – Hambantota
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka enter the Pakistan ODI series with confidence, continuity, and a clear objective—earning valuable ICC Women’s Championship points. Under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, the squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging talents capable of making a lasting impact.
The retention of key performers such as Nilakshika Silva, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, and Inoka Ranaweera highlights the selectors’ faith in the group that impressed at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. While the omission of young pacer Mithali Ayodhya is a surprise, Sri Lanka still possess a balanced squad with the quality to challenge Pakistan across all three matches.
With World Cup qualification points at stake and home conditions in their favour, Sri Lanka will be determined to make a strong statement when the ODI series gets underway in Hambantota. The contest promises competitive cricket, emerging stars, and high stakes as both Asian rivals continue their journey in the ICC Women’s Championship 2025–2029.