Debutants Shine in Athapaththu’s World Cup Squad

Sri Lanka has welcomed five newcomers to its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, commencing on September 30. The debutants include Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Vishmi Gunaratne, Imesha Dulani, and Dewmi Vihanga. The team will be led by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu.

From the lineup that participated in the tri-series with India and South Africa earlier this year (April-May), Hansima Karunaratne, Manudi Nanayakkara, and Rashmika Sewwandi have been omitted. Imesha Dulani and seasoned seamer Udeshika Prabodani make a return to the squad, with 38-year-old offspinner Inoshi Fernando listed as a reserve.

Sri Lanka’s recent ODI performance has been inconsistent, with only two victories from eight matches in 2025 (five losses and one no result). The team has yet to make it to a Women’s World Cup final and is eager to change its track record this year.

Sri Lanka is scheduled to play all but two of their matches at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Their tournament opener against co-hosts India takes place in Guwahati on September 30, followed by a game against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai on October 20. Warm-up matches against Pakistan (September 25) and Bangladesh (September 27) will also be held in Colombo.

Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, 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