Key Points

Sri Lanka has unveiled their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup starting September 30. The team features veteran left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani who returns after a year-long injury layoff. Captain Chamari Athapaththu leads an experienced batting unit that includes Harshitha Samarawickrama and Anushka Sanjeewani. Sri Lanka will open their campaign against hosts India in Guwahati before playing several matches on home soil in Colombo.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Women's ODI World Cup Squad Veteran Prabodhani Returns

  • Veteran Udeshika Prabodhani returns after hamstring injury layoff
  • Chamari Athapaththu captains experienced batting lineup
  • Imesha Dulani replaces teenager Manudi Nanayakkara
  • Strong spin attack features Ranaweera and Kumari on turning tracks
2 min read

Sri Lanka unveil 15-member squad for ODI World Cup, Veteran Prabodhani returns

Sri Lanka announces 15-member squad for Women's ODI World Cup with veteran seamer Udeshika Prabodhani returning from injury. Team led by Chamari Athapaththu.

"Seasoned left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani climbed the ladder and returned after a year-long injury layoff - Squad Announcement"

Colombo, September 10

Sri Lanka unveiled its 15-member squad for the Women's ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to kick off on September 30. The tournament will get underway with the battle between the hosts, India and Sri Lanka, in Guwahati.

Veteran all-rounder Chamari Athapaththu will continue to lead the side that boasts a wealth of experience. Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika de Silva and Anushka Sanjeewani will offer Athapaththu plenty of support with their expertise.

Seasoned left-arm seamer Udeshika Prabodhani climbed the ladder and returned after a year-long injury layoff. The 39-year-old donned the Sri Lankan jersey during the Women's T20 World Cup in October last year. She is yet to play a single ODI since the tour of Ireland in August 2024.

She struggled with a persistent hamstring injury, but her return has fortified Sri Lanka's pace battery, which consists of 35-year-old Achini Kulasuriya and 24-year-old Malki Madara.

Imesha Dulani, a 23-year-old batter who was dropped for the home tri-series against India and South Africa, has returned to the fold. Teenagers Rashmika Sewwandi and Manudi Nanayakkara, batter Hansima Karunaratne, and spinner Inoshi Fernando were not considered for the mix.

Dulani replaced 17-year-old Nanayakkara in the squad and is expected to serve the role of the backup batter. In the broader perspective, Sri Lanka has a stable batting unit comprising Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Piumi Wathsala and Anushka Sanjeewani.

Sri Lanka holds plenty of ball tweakers who will play a fundamental role on the subcontinent's turning tracks. Even after Inoshi's exclusion, Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, and Sugandika Kumari form a formidable spin attack. All-rounders Athapaththu and Dilhari can roll their arms if the situation demands it.

After commencing their crusade against India, Sri Lanka's next four games will be on their home turf in Colombo. They will then travel to Navi Mumbai to take on Bangladesh, before returning home for their final league game against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya. Travelling Reserve: Inoshi Fernando.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good balanced squad. Their spin attack looks strong for subcontinent conditions. But I think they might struggle against India's batting lineup in the opener. Our women's team is in great form!
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Ananya R
Chamari Athapaththu is such an inspirational captain! Love watching her play. Hope the tournament gets good coverage in India too. Women's cricket deserves more attention 🏏
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the mix of experience and youth. Prabodhani's comeback story is inspiring after that hamstring injury. Wishing all teams the best for a competitive World Cup!
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Vikram M
Sri Lanka always punches above their weight in women's cricket. Their spinners could trouble many teams on turning tracks. But honestly, India should win the opener comfortably at home.
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Karthik V
Good to see Imesha Dulani back in the squad. She has potential. Though I feel leaving out young talents like Nanayakkara might be a risk for future development. Experience over youth I guess.

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