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Sri Lanka Unveils Balanced Squad for Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025, Chamari Athapaththu to Lead the Charge

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Sri Lanka Cricket has officially announced a strong and balanced 17-member squad for the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025, with star batter Chamari Athapaththu set to lead the team. The series, scheduled for next month, will serve as a key preparatory tournament ahead of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.

Athapaththu, a globally respected all-rounder known for her fearless batting and bold leadership, remains the cornerstone of Sri Lanka Women’s cricket. As captain, she brings not only experience but also explosive firepower at the top of the order.

The Sri Lanka Women’s ODI squad for the tri-nation series blends youth with experience, showcasing the selectors’ vision of developing depth across all departments. Emerging talent Vishmi Gunaratne retains her spot following a solid domestic season, while consistent performers like Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi Silva will provide stability in the middle order.

All-round strength is a key feature of the squad, with the likes of Kavisha Dilhari and Anushka Sanjeewani (who will also don the gloves as the primary wicketkeeper) offering both batting and bowling options. Batters Hasini Perera and Piumi Wathsala strengthen the order, while promising youngsters Manudi Nanayakkara and Dewmi Vihanga are expected to gain valuable international exposure.

On the bowling front, spin remains Sri Lanka’s biggest weapon, spearheaded by veteran Inoka Ranaweera, with support from Inoshi Fernando and Sugandika Kumari. Their ability to control the game in the middle overs will be vital on slower pitches.

The pace unit will be led by Achini Kulasuriya and Rashmika Sewwandi, both known for their early breakthroughs and death-over effectiveness. All-rounders Malki Madara and Hansima Karunaratne round out the squad, providing versatility and tactical flexibility.

This ODI series is more than just preparation—it’s a chance for Sri Lanka to test its combinations, refine strategies, and build momentum ahead of a major global tournament. With Chamari Athapaththu at the helm and a team full of potential, fans can expect a spirited and competitive campaign.

Sri Lanka Women’s Squad for Tri-Nation ODI Series 2025

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), 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 Kulasuriya

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Team Green Clinch Women’s NSL T20 Title with Commanding Final Victory

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Team Green were crowned champions of the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament after producing a dominant six-wicket victory over Team Blue in the final played at the P. Sara Oval on Saturday.

The championship triumph was built on a disciplined and clinical bowling performance, as Team Green dismissed Team Blue for a modest total of 95 in 18.1 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe led the attack with an outstanding four-wicket haul, applying sustained pressure through the middle overs and preventing any meaningful recovery. She received strong support from Malsha Shehani, Kawya Kavindi, Nimasha Madushani, and Udeshika Prabodani, as Team Blue struggled to establish partnerships.

Team Blue found resistance through Chamari Athapaththu, who played a determined innings of 51 from 41 deliveries. Her knock helped stabilise the innings after early setbacks, but regular wickets at the other end stalled momentum. Once Athapaththu was dismissed, the remainder of the batting lineup was unable to provide support, leading to a rapid collapse.

In response, Team Green approached the chase with calm assurance. Despite losing a few early wickets, they remained firmly in control throughout the pursuit of the modest target. Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 36, rotating the strike effectively and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Oshadi Ranasinghe completed a memorable all-round performance by contributing an unbeaten 16, ensuring there were no late complications.

Team Green reached the target at 98 for 4 in 18.1 overs, sealing the title with 11 balls to spare. Team Blue’s bowlers attempted to apply pressure, but the total proved insufficient to trouble a well-organised batting unit.

The victory capped a successful campaign for Team Green, underlining their consistency and balance throughout the tournament, while Oshadi Ranasinghe’s all-round brilliance stood out on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores

Team Blue – 95 all out in 18.1 overs
Chamari Athapaththu 51; Oshadi Ranasinghe 4/17, Udeshika Prabodani 1/17

Team Green – 98/4 in 18.1 overs
Nilakshika Silva 36*, Oshadi Ranasinghe 16*; Devmi Vihanga 1/22

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Milan, Dunith Likely to Return for ODIs as Sri Lanka Prepare for England Series

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England Tour of Sri Lanka 2026

All-rounders Milan Rathnayake and Dunith Wellalage are set to make their return to Sri Lanka’s One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against England, which is scheduled to begin in the coming days.

Sri Lanka selectors have opted for a well-balanced squad that blends experienced campaigners with emerging talent as the hosts prepare for a demanding home series against a strong England side.

Charith Asalanka will continue to lead the ODI team as captain, with his role in the middle order expected to be pivotal. Asalanka’s ability to absorb pressure and accelerate when required will be key against England’s varied bowling attack.

At the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara are expected to open the batting. Nissanka’s consistency and sound technique remain central to Sri Lanka’s ODI plans, while Mishara will be eager to convert starts into meaningful contributions. Their partnership will be crucial in providing solid foundations.

Wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis adds experience and aggression to the middle order, offering Sri Lanka flexibility in both tempo and shot selection. Sadeera Samarawickrama and Janith Liyanage further strengthen the batting unit, with both players capable of anchoring the innings or playing decisive roles when momentum is needed.

The squad features strong all-round depth, with Kamindu Mendis offering versatility with both bat and ball. The return of Wanindu Hasaranga significantly enhances Sri Lanka’s all-round options, with his leg-spin expected to play a decisive role on home pitches. Dunith Wellalage’s inclusion adds another spin-bowling all-rounder capable of controlling the middle overs.

Milan Rathnayake’s likely return boosts the seam-bowling all-round resources, while the pace attack will be led by Asitha Fernando, supported by Eshan Malinga and Pramod Madushan. The spin department is further reinforced by Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay, both expected to be influential under Sri Lankan conditions.

The first ODI of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (22) at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Probable Sri Lanka ODI Squad vs England

Charith Asalanka (Captain), Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay.

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Sandeepani’s Star Turn Propels Team Blues to Convincing Victory

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Sathya Sandeepani produced an outstanding all-round performance as Team Blues registered a commanding 70-run victory over Team Red in the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament at the Thurstan College Ground yesterday.

Asked to bat first, Team Blues suffered an early setback, slipping to 20 for 3 within the first three overs. Sandeepani then steadied the innings with a composed and unbeaten knock of 50 from 44 deliveries, striking five boundaries and a six. Her calm presence at the crease proved crucial in rebuilding the innings.

Sandeepani received valuable support from Ama Kanchana, who scored 41, and Shayani Senarathna, who contributed 25, as Team Blues recovered to post a competitive total of 134 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Extras added a further seven runs, pushing the target beyond Team Red’s reach.

For Team Red, Chamodi Prabodha Munasinghe was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs. Pramudhi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune picked up one wicket each but were unable to prevent Team Blues from setting a challenging total.

In reply, Team Red’s chase never gained momentum. Dewmi Vihanga led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 11, while Sandeepani continued her impressive outing by returning 2 for 8. Nethmi Sanjana’s four-wicket haul completed the rout as Team Red were bowled out for just 64 runs.

In the day’s other fixture, Team Greys secured a convincing 35-run victory over Team Green. Batting first, Team Greys posted 132 for 6, with Vishmi Gunarathne anchoring the innings with a fluent 56 and Imesha Dulani adding a valuable 40.

The bowling effort was shared effectively, with Sugandika Kumari and Nimasha Madushani claiming two wickets apiece to apply pressure during the chase.

Team Green struggled in response and were dismissed for 97 in 19.4 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe top-scored with 21, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Inoshi Fernando starred with the ball, taking 4 for 14, while Sanduni Nisansala provided excellent support with three wickets.

The results further highlighted the competitive nature of the Women’s National Super League T20, with several players delivering match-defining performances across both fixtures.

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