Colombo, April 26 (Sports desk)
Sri Lanka have named a formidable 17-member squad for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series against India and South Africa, set to be hosted at home starting April 27. Led by the dynamic Chamari Athapaththu, the team is looking to rebound from a recent 2-0 ODI series defeat in New Zealand and gain momentum ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.
The squad features several changes from the group that faced New Zealand. Notably, uncapped spinner Malki Madara has earned a call-up to the ODI team after impressing with her debut bowling performance in the T20I series in New Zealand, where she played a key role in Sri Lanka’s sole victory on the multi-format tour.
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Additionally, uncapped players Piumi Wathsala and Dewmi Vihanga have been included, adding fresh talent to the lineup. The tri-nation series, commencing in Colombo, will serve as critical preparation for all three teams as they gear up for the 2025 World Cup.
Sri Lanka Squad
- Captain: Chamari Athapaththu
- Players: Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hasini Perera, Piumi Wathsala, Manudi Nanayakkara, Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, Inoshi Fernando, Hansima Karunaratne, Rashmika Sewwandi, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulsuriya
Tri-Nation Series Schedule
- 1st ODI: Sri Lanka vs India – Sunday, April 27
- 2nd ODI: India vs South Africa – Tuesday, April 29
- 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Friday, May 2
- 4th ODI: Sri Lanka vs India – Sunday, May 4
- 5th ODI: South Africa vs India – Wednesday, May 7
- 6th ODI: Sri Lanka vs South Africa – Friday, May 9
- Final: TBD – Sunday, May 11
Other Squads
India:
- Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
- Players: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Kashvee Gautam, Sneh Rana, Arundhati Reddy, Tejal Hasabnis, Sree Charani, Shuchi Upadhyay
South Africa:
- Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
- Players: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe
Context and Significance
Coming off a challenging tour of New Zealand, Sri Lanka are eager to leverage home advantage and fine-tune their strategies in this high-stakes series. The inclusion of emerging talents like Madara, Wathsala, and Vihanga signals a blend of experience and youth, with Athapaththu’s leadership expected to steer the team toward a strong performance.
The tri-nation series will provide invaluable match practice and an opportunity for all three teams to assess their strengths ahead of the global showpiece event next year.
