Captain Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka’s Final Charge for Title Glory”

Sri Lanka Eyes Emotional Return to Women’s World Cup with Chamari Athapaththu Leading the Charge.

Sri Lanka are set for a highly emotional return to the Women’s World Cup, opening their campaign against Harmanpreet Kaur’s India on September 30 at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. Having missed the 2022 edition in New Zealand, this marks the end of an agonising eight-year wait—a dream long deferred but never forgotten.

Their comeback to the world stage has been built on resilience and steady improvement. From finishing fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship to being runners-up in this year’s home tri-series, and lifting the Asia Cup in T20 cricket last year, Sri Lanka have steadily rebuilt their white-ball credentials with grit and determination.

Chamari Athapaththu’s Final Hurrah
Chamari Athapaththu, approaching 40, leads the team with experience and passion. A national icon, she has delivered unforgettable performances, including her 178 in Bristol and the record 195-run chase against South Africa in Potchefstroom. Beyond her batting, Athapaththu has contributed 45 wickets at an economy of 5.33, making her the pillar of Sri Lanka’s team. This World Cup may be her last on cricket’s biggest stage, and she is determined to leave a lasting legacy.

Young Guns to Watch
Sri Lanka will rely heavily on emerging talents like Harshitha Samarawickrama, Dewmi Vihanga, and Vishmi Gunaratne. Gunaratne, who broke into the national side after the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023, has already impressed with a century against Ireland and crucial fifties against New Zealand and West Indies.

Samarawickrama provides middle-order stability, having scored 203 runs at an average of 40.60 in the recent home tri-series. Vihanga, a 20-year-old pacer, took 11 wickets in her maiden ODI series, including a five-wicket haul against South Africa, showcasing her potential to make an impact.

Experience Balances the Team
Sri Lanka’s veterans, including 40-year-old pacer Udeshika Prabodhani and 39-year-old spinner Inoka Ranaweera, provide invaluable guidance. Alongside them, Nilakshi de Silva and Hasini Perera bring calm and strategic insight, helping the team navigate high-pressure situations. The blend of youthful energy and veteran wisdom, anchored by Athapaththu’s leadership, is Sri Lanka’s formula for success.

Sri Lanka’s World Cup Record

Appearances: 6 editions

Matches Won: 8 of 35

Matches Lost: 26

No Result: 1

Last ODI World Cup: 2017

Post-2022 Record

Matches Played: 31

Wins: 11

Losses: 16

No Result: 4

Women’s World Cup Squad
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya
Reserve: Inoshi Fernando

League Stage Fixtures

Sep 30: India vs Sri Lanka – Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati

Oct 04: Sri Lanka vs Australia – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Oct 11: England vs Sri Lanka – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Oct 14: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Oct 17: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Oct 20: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

Oct 24: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Predicted XI
Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Piumi Wathsala, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera

Sri Lanka may not be tournament favourites, but with the right mix of youth, experience, and Chamari Athapaththu’s indomitable spirit, they have the potential to surprise and leave a lasting mark on the 2025 Women’s World Cup.