Sri Lanka name 15-member squad for Pakistan ODI series with Chamari Athapaththu leading

Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Pakistan beginning Thursday, July 23 at Hambantota’s Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. The ODI series will form part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 cycle. Captain Chamari Athapaththu will continue to lead the side through what is a critical phase of their championship campaign. The tour represents the first home ODI series for the hosts since their West Indies tour concluded.

The squad demonstrates strong continuity following Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup campaign. Sri Lanka won a hard-fought away series in the West Indies to open the Championship cycle, securing early momentum. In the T20 World Cup, the hosts reached the group stage final before finishing third in Group B. Sri Lanka climbed to number three in Group B after victories over New Zealand and Scotland. The retained squad includes experienced campaigners, with middle-order performers Nilakshika Silva, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Dewmi Vihanga and Inoka Ranaweera all named for the series.

Sri Lanka ODI squad vs Pakistan:

Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwaldi, and Kawya Kavindi

Why is the Pakistan ODI series important for Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka are building towards the 2029 World Cup qualification phase. Sri Lanka are third on the Championship standings with four points after their West Indies series win. Each victory in the championship cycle rewards two points, making the three ODIs against Pakistan vital for strengthening their position. The series carries weight beyond just bilateral bragging rights; results here directly impact their standing in the ICC competition that determines World Cup eligibility.

The squad balances proven performers alongside developing talent. Nilakshika Silva’s strong showing at the T20 World Cup reinforced her role in the middle order after her contributions during the tournament’s tight finishes. Spinners Inoka Ranaweera and Imesha Dulani have been retained to anchor Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy across varying conditions at Hambantota, where the pitches typically offer turn and uneven bounce.

The series begins on Thursday, July 23 and ends on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. All six matches of the tour, comprising three ODIs and three subsequent T20Is, will be hosted at the same venue. Sri Lanka will look to convert home advantage into victories that push them closer to a strong finish in this championship cycle and cement their place in the 2029 World Cup qualification picture.