As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 approaches, co-host Sri Lanka has named a 15-member squad led by veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu. This selection reflects a blend of experience and youthful promise, setting the stage for a team that aims to upset the established powerhouses in a highly competitive tournament kicking off on September 30. Here, we break down the squad’s tactical setup, key players, and the challenges they face.
Squad Composition: Balancing Experience and Youth
Sri Lanka’s squad is a carefully crafted mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Chamari Athapaththu, returning as captain, carries the burden of leading the batting unit and contributing significant runs with the bat. Alongside her are experienced batters such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika De Silva, and Anushka Sanjeewani (wicketkeeper), who will stabilize the middle order. This core group will be crucial in weathering the pressure against top bowling attacks.
The bowling department features the crafty left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodani, who makes a comeback after injury layoffs. At 39, her experience will be invaluable in guiding the Sri Lankan pace attack alongside Sugandika Kumari and young seamers like Malki Madara. Spin will be led by the left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, with Achini Kulasooriya and Udeshika Prabodani providing variety and control in the middle overs.
Younger players such as Kavisha Dilhari, Vishmi Gunaratne, and batter Imesha Dulani bring fresh energy and promise. Dulani’s inclusion after missing the recent tri-series signals faith in her ability to add depth to the batting lineup.
Tactical Strengths and Key Matchups
Batting Approach and Depth
Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership revolves around a batting style that balances aggression with resilience. Her ability to play both anchor and finisher roles will be critical, especially against top-tier bowling units. Sri Lanka’s batting depth beyond Athapaththu remains a question, but squad members like Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshika De Silva have shown the temperament to build innings. The inclusion of versatile players capable of batting in multiple positions provides tactical flexibility.
Bowling Strategy: Pace-Spin Combination
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, while not the most feared, will rely heavily on accuracy, variations, and strategic field placements. Prabodani’s return shores up the pace department with experience in swinging the ball, while Ranaweera’s spin will target middle-over breakthroughs. The supporting cast of younger bowlers must capitalize on pressure situations, especially in the death overs and powerplays.
Fielding and Athleticism
While historically not the strongest of Sri Lanka’s departments, recent improvements in fielding standards could play a pivotal role in close matches. Quick ground fielding, sharp catches, and saving crucial runs will enhance their competitiveness.
Head-to-Head Outlook and Impact Potential
Sri Lanka will open the tournament against hosts India in Guwahati—a challenging start given India’s formidable lineup and home advantage. Historically, Sri Lanka has found it difficult against top-ranked teams like India and Australia but has pulled off competitive performances fueled by spirited individual showings.
Chamari Athapaththu stands out as the linchpin; her ability to score under pressure and marshal the team tactically will have a direct correlation with Sri Lanka’s fortunes. The young guns will need to rise to the occasion to provide support, while the bowling unit’s effectiveness will hinge on restricting runs and capitalizing on key wickets.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Consistency in Batting: Apart from Athapaththu, Sri Lanka requires one or two batters to step up with consistent scores to build momentum in the competition.
- Bowling Depth: The squad’s bowling lacks express pace but blends experience with tactical astuteness. Variations and discipline will be key against power-hitters.
- Utilizing Home Advantage: As co-hosts, Sri Lanka has the chance to exploit familiar pitch conditions, particularly aiding spinners and pace variations.
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka enters the 2025 Women’s World Cup with realistic expectations but considerable determination. The blend of seasoned veterans leading a young, hungry contingent provides tactical diversity. Success will depend on individual performances solidifying into collective coherence and strategic execution in crucial moments.
Fans should watch closely how Chamari Athapaththu manages the challenges of leadership while bidding to add to her legacy with impactful innings and inspirational captaincy. If Sri Lanka can sharpen their bowling attack and extract consistent batting support, they can certainly be dark horses in this global showcase. The squad’s combination of grit and emerging talent could yet script memorable upsets at this prestigious tournament.
Source: www.espncricinfo.com