Sri Lanka’s best XI for the Women’s ODI tri-series against India and South Africa

Sri Lanka host the Women’s ODI Tri-Nation Series 2025, featuring India and South Africa. Scheduled from April 27 to May 11, all matches will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. This series serves as a vital preparatory platform ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year. Each team will face the others twice in a round-robin format, culminating in a final between the top two teams on May 11. ​

Sri Lanka’s strategic edge of playing on home turf

Playing at home offers Sri Lanka a significant advantage. Familiarity with the pitch conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium and the support of local fans can boost the team’s performance. Moreover, the series provides an opportunity to fine-tune strategies and assess player form ahead of the World Cup. Captain Chamari Athapaththu, known for her aggressive batting and leadership, will be pivotal in guiding the team. Her flamboyance with the bat, including a record-breaking 195* against South Africa, highlight her capability to anchor the innings. ​

Vice-captain Harshitha Samarawickrama adds stability to the batting lineup. Her unbeaten 69 in the Asia Cup final against India was instrumental in securing Sri Lanka’s maiden title. The team’s recent successes, such as the historic T20I series win against England and the Asia Cup triumph, reflect a growing confidence and cohesion within the squad.

Also READ: Team India’s best XI for the Women’s ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and South Africa

Sri Lanka’s top-choice playing XI for the Women’s ODI tri-series 2025

1. Chamari Athapaththu (Captain and opening batter)

Chamari is the heartbeat of Sri Lanka’s women’s team. As a powerful left-handed opener and aggressive leader, her presence at the top is vital. With the ability to take on any bowling attack, she sets the tone early. Her experience and game-changing knocks make her indispensable.​

2. Vishmi Gunaratne (Opening batter)

Young and composed, Vishmi is known for her steady approach which complements Chamari’s aggression. As an opener, her role is to provide stability, rotate strike, and play deep into the innings. She has shown maturity beyond her years and is crucial for anchoring the innings in pressure situations.​

3. Harshitha Samarawickrama (Vice-captain and top-order batter)

A technically sound left-hander, Harshitha brings consistency to the top order. Often the anchor in Sri Lanka’s wins, her ability to absorb pressure and rebuild after early losses is vital. Her recent match-winning knocks and Asia Cup heroics underline her value as a calm and dependable performer.​

4. Nilakshi de Silva (Middle-order batter)

Nilakshi is a stabilizer in the middle order. With her experience and composure, she handles tricky phases and plays the role of a finisher when needed. Her quick running between wickets and ability to shift gears make her key in building or accelerating innings in the middle overs.​

5. Kavisha Dilhari (All-rounder)

Kavisha adds great balance to the side. A reliable middle-order batter and handy off-spinner, she offers crucial overs in the middle phase. Her adaptability in both departments provides flexibility, allowing Sri Lanka to either go for spin-heavy attacks or shore up the batting.​

6. Anushka Sanjeewani (Wicketkeeper-batter)

Anushka is a safe pair of gloves behind the stumps and provides a steady hand in the lower middle order. She’s known for sharp stumpings and tidy glove work, especially useful in spin-friendly conditions. With the bat, she can rotate strike and finish off innings with quick runs.​

7. Hasini Perera (Middle-order batter)

A left-handed batter with flair, Hasini brings aggressiveness in the lower-middle order. She can change the tempo of the innings and is effective against spin. Her experience allows her to handle pressure and guide the tail when necessary, which is valuable in close contests.​

8. Inoka Ranaweera (Spinner)

Inoka is one of Sri Lanka’s most experienced bowlers. Her left-arm orthodox spin is economical and effective in subcontinental conditions. She consistently delivers in the middle overs, builds pressure, and takes key wickets. Her tactical awareness adds strength to the bowling unit.​

9. Sugandika Kumari (Spinner)

Sugandika forms a lethal spin duo with Inoka. Her role is to maintain tight lines and contain runs, especially against aggressive batters. On turning tracks in Colombo, her control and variations are assets, particularly in tying down opponents during the middle overs.​

10. Achini Kulasuriya (Pace bowler)

Achini is a seasoned medium-pacer who brings swing and discipline with the new ball. She’s effective both in the powerplay and at the death. Her ability to break partnerships and keep batters in check makes her a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s pace department.​

11. Rashmika Sewwandi (Pace bowler)

Rashmika adds depth to the pace attack with her right-arm medium-fast bowling. Her ability to generate movement and maintain consistent lines makes her a valuable asset, especially in exploiting any early assistance from the pitch. Her inclusion strengthens the bowling unit, providing variety and balance.

Also READ: South Africa’s best XI for the Women’s ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and India

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.