Sri Lanka has climbed to 4th place in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, marking a major achievement in the team’s ongoing revival in international cricket. This surge, confirmed after the International Cricket Council’s annual update, reflects a year of consistent and impressive performances.

The upward shift in rankings saw Sri Lanka gain five valuable rating points, pushing them past powerhouse teams like Pakistan and South Africa. Now trailing only India, Australia, and England, Sri Lanka has re-established itself as a major contender in the One Day International (ODI) format.

Key Factors Behind Sri Lanka’s Rise in ODI Rankings

This rankings boost has been fueled by a string of dominant series wins, especially at home. Victories against top-tier teams such as India and Australia have been pivotal. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit has shown exceptional control and discipline, while the batting lineup has evolved into a reliable force, capable of adapting to various match situations.

The leadership of head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and captain Charith Asalanka has been central to this transformation. Jayasuriya’s experience and aggressive tactical approach have revitalized the team, while Asalanka’s calm leadership and key contributions with the bat have earned him praise as a future great.

Youth and Experience Creating a Winning Combination

Emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Janith Liyanage have provided fresh energy and depth. Their seamless integration alongside veterans has created a balanced and confident unit.

With ICC global tournaments on the horizon, this momentum places Sri Lanka in a strong position to challenge the world’s best. The team’s rise to fourth in the ICC ODI rankings is more than just a number — it’s a testament to their growing belief and ambition on the world stage.

Sri Lanka Women pulled off a sensational chase to defeat India Women by 3 wickets with 5 balls to spare in a high-scoring thriller at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo during the fourth match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series 2025. Chasing a formidable target of 276, the home side held their nerve to reach 278/7, registering one of their most memorable victories in ODI history.

India Women, after being put in to bat first, posted a commanding 275/9 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a fluent 50 from Richa Ghosh, who struck 5 fours and 2 sixes in her 42-ball knock. Useful contributions from the top and middle order pushed India past the 250-mark, despite late wickets stalling momentum.

Sri Lanka’s chase started steadily, but the game came alive in the middle overs thanks to key innings from Harshitha Madavi (50 off 57) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu. However, the turning point came when Nilakshika Silva took charge with a blistering 56 off just 33 balls, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her late onslaught, along with support from the lower middle order, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line at 278/7 in 49.1 overs.

This match also set a record as the highest match aggregate (553 runs) between the two sides in Women’s ODIs, underlining the growing competitiveness of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket on the international stage.

Nilakshika Silva was named Player of the Match for her match-winning knock under pressure.

With this win, Sri Lanka Women have gained valuable momentum and sent a strong message to both opponents in the tri-series, showcasing their depth and fighting spirit.

Match Summary:

• India Women: 275/9 (Richa Ghosh 50, D Hemalatha 34; SL bowlers shared wickets)
• Sri Lanka Women: 278/7 in 49.1 overs (Nilakshika Silva 56*, Harshitha Madavi 50)

Tri-Series 2025: Points Table & Team Form Update

With each team having played at least two matches, the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka is heating up as both India and Sri Lanka have secured two wins each, while South Africa is yet to register a victory.

Points Table (as of May 4, 2025):

• India Women sit at the top based on a superior Net Run Rate (NRR), despite their 3-wicket loss to Sri Lanka on May 4.
• Sri Lanka Women made a strong comeback after an opening loss to India, now securing back-to-back wins against South Africa and India.
• South Africa Women have struggled, with two straight losses and a negative NRR.

The battle for a place in the final is still open, with each upcoming match carrying significant weight.

Sri Lanka Women produced a composed and clinical batting display to chase down South Africa Women’s total of 235 in a strong all-round performance, continuing their rise in international women’s cricket.

Chasing 236 for victory, Sri Lanka began confidently during the powerplay, putting on 47 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the first 10 overs. The opening platform set the tone for a steady and calculated innings, anchored by key partnerships and individual brilliance.

The second-wicket stand between Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama (Perera) added 50 runs in just 54 balls, giving the visitors momentum. By the 14th over, Sri Lanka Women were comfortably placed at 77/1.

The middle order shone as Harshitha Madavi and Kavisha Dilhari took control, both registering half-centuries in a pivotal 100-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Madavi reached her fifty in 65 balls, while Dilhari followed shortly with a fluent 61-ball half-century that included five boundaries and a six.

By the 41st over, Sri Lanka had crossed the 200-run mark with seven wickets in hand, cruising toward victory. The pair’s calm approach under pressure ensured that South Africa never regained control of the match.

Earlier in the day, South Africa posted 235/9 in their 50 overs, thanks largely to a resilient knock of 61 from Annerie Dercksen and a solid middle-order partnership with Chloe Tryon. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained discipline throughout, especially during the death overs, to restrict the hosts to a chaseable total.

This win not only highlights Sri Lanka’s growing depth and maturity in women’s cricket but also sends a strong signal ahead of future ICC tournaments. With batters like Madavi and Dilhari leading the charge and a disciplined bowling unit to back them, Sri Lanka Women continue to impress on the global stage.

Score Summary:

• South Africa Women: 235/9 (50 overs) – Annerie Dercksen 61, Chloe Tryon 34

• Sri Lanka Women: 236/3 (approx. 41 overs) – Harshitha Madavi 50*, Kavisha Dilhari 50*