Co-hosts India and Sri Lanka will kick off what is a landmark Women’s World Cup 2025 in Guwahati on Tuesday. The tournament marks the first time Sri Lanka will host a women’s ICC event ever. Led by Chamari Athapatathu, the Islanders will hope to put on an inspired display in home conditions.
Sri Lanka’s hopes rest on Athapatathu
Chamari Athapatathu is the main batter of the team. She has played 115 games, scored 3877 runs at an average of 35, with 9 tons and 19 fifties. Sri Lanka often have relied on her individual brilliance to win matches, but will hope the team can put up a show in home conditions.
“It’s a privilege for Sri Lanka to co-host. We have never hosted an ODI World Cup before. As captain, I feel it’s a good opportunity. If we can make the semi-finals, that will be really good, and then we can think about the finals,” Athapatathu said ahead of the IND-W vs SL-W clash.
The Sri Lankan captain will have the likes of Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, and veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera to bank on experience. It could the last World Cup for their ageing stars and a grand stand finish to their careers would be the aim for Athapatathu and Co. The Islanders also have an influx of emerging talent in Vishmi Gunaratne, Dewmi Vihanga and Kavisha Dilhari. Sri Lanka back their talents, and Athapatathu acknowledged their contributions in their run to the Asia Cup final.
“In the past, everything was on my shoulders. But not anymore—we have good youngsters now. In the Asia Cup, I did my job, but the youngsters stepped up, and that’s why we made the finals. Kavisha Dilhari, Harshitha (Samarawickrama), Vishmi Gunaratne, and Malti Madara are all doing well. They don’t take much pressure, and I believe they can make history,” she said as quoted by Revsportz.
Sri Lanka have never made it to the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup. The Islanders play 5 of their 7 matches at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and will hope to make that advantage count.
Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya
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