Key takeaways from Sri Lanka’s CWC25 squad

Sri Lanka announced a strong 15-member squad for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. After missing out on the 2022 edition, they will look to make their mark in the tournament starting September 30.

Veteran Chamari Athapaththu will lead the side as Sri Lanka prepares to co-host the marquee event alongside India.

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

Reserve: Inoshi Fernando

Here are the key takeaways from their squad announcement:

Athapaththu's shot at glory

Sri Lanka’s talismanic all-round star Chamari Athapaththu will captain her side for the first time in an ODI World Cup, and the island nation's chances will heavily depend on her form and leadership.

With 3877 runs at an average of 35.24 in ODIs, Athapaththu is Sri Lanka's leading run-getter by a margin, and her performances have often been the difference between victory and defeat for Sri Lanka. Under her leadership, Sri Lanka have gone from strength to strength, having tasted success at the Women's T20 Asia Cup last year.

Athapaththu's desire to succeed will be fuelled further by the fact that at 35 years old, this might just be her final shot at World Cup glory. And under familiar conditions along with the support of the home crowd, she will be ready to give it all.

Backing experienced core

Sri Lanka head into the World Cup with an experienced core, with experience of having played across conditions and which will form an informed leadership group to backup Athapaththu.

Harshita Samarawickrama and Nilakshika de Silva will be the mainstays of the batting lineup alongside skipper Chamari Athapaththu. Anushka Sanjeewani, who got encouraging starts during the home tri-series against India and South Africa, will play a crucial role behind the stumps and provide strong support to the skipper. She will also be the deputy to Athapaththu.

Veteran Inoka Ranaweera, who captained Sri Lanka in the 2017 edition, will bring her valuable experience and will also be handy with her slow left-arm spin.

Young talent rises

The Sri Lankan squad features a blend of young talent, with several players set to make their World Cup debut. Kavisha Dilhari, Malki Madara, Vishmi Gunaratne, Imesha Dulani, and Dewmi Vihanga will all be playing in their first-ever World Cup.

Dilhari is seen as a future star for Sri Lanka. Having made her debut at just 17, she has gained maturity and experience in seven years of her international career. Averaging 28.29 with the willow and 33.82 with the ball, Dilhari will be keen to leave her mark in the tournament.

Another rising talent in the squad is Dewmi Vihanga, who had impressed one and all with her run in the 2023 ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup. She made her senior team debut in May this year and, despite having only four ODIs to her name, claimed 11 wickets, securing her spot in the World Cup lineup.

Spin core

Subcontinental pitches have historically favoured spinners, and Sri Lanka has the department well covered with experienced players at its core.

As already mentioned, Ranaweera, with her vast experience, will be the leading tweaker in the side. Athapaththu will also provide variation and control with her off-spin.

Sugandika Kumari's left-arm orthodox spin will be crucial for the side's chances. Young all-rounders Vihanga and Dilhari will provide greater edge to the attack with their off-spin.

Sri Lanka will kick off their World Cup campaign against co-hosts India on September 30 in the tournament opener in Guwahati.