Sri Lanka to host Pakistan in women’s ODI series for ICC Women’s Championship points
Sri Lanka is set to host Pakistan in a three-match women’s ODI series, with all matches contributing to the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle. These matches offer crucial qualification points for both teams as they aim for the next World Cup. The series commences on Thursday, July 23, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, and will conclude at the same venue on Tuesday, July 28.
Sri Lanka enters the series in a strong position, currently holding third place in the championship standings with eight points from six matches. Their recent performance includes a 2-1 ODI series victory over Bangladesh. The team will continue to be led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, maintaining a largely consistent squad.
Pakistan, ranked eighth globally, will be captained by Fatima Sana for the ODI series. Sana was recognised in the Team of the Tournament at the recent T20 World Cup, where she secured 11 wickets and scored 85 runs. Pakistan has had a positive start in the ICC Women’s Championship, occupying second place in the standings following a recent series sweep against Zimbabwe in Karachi in May.
Squads and Team News
Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member squad for the series, largely retaining the players who participated in the victory against Bangladesh. Captain Chamari Athapaththu will lead the team. Notable inclusions are opening batter Vishmi Gunaratne and wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani, both of whom are returning after missing the previous series. Experienced left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari and wicketkeeper Kaushani Nuthyangana were not included in the squad. Sri Lanka‘s recent T20 World Cup campaign saw them finish third in Group B, narrowly missing the semi-finals to the West Indies on run rate.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed Fatima Sana as the ODI captain. The squad features two uncapped players, Maham Anees and Saira Jabeen. Following the ODI series, Muneeba Ali is slated to take over as captain for the subsequent T20I leg, as Fatima Sana will travel to England to become the first Pakistani woman to play in The Hundred.
Pakistan‘s captain Fatima Sana has expressed her desire for the team to maintain their recent strong form in 50-over cricket. She emphasised the importance of rectifying past mistakes and building upon performances from previous ODI series against South Africa and Zimbabwe. The team’s objective is to develop a strong ODI unit by effectively utilising both young talent and experienced players.
During the T20 World Cup, Fatima Sana was a key performer, scoring 85 runs and taking 11 wickets. She has encouraged her teammates to adopt an attacking and fearless approach to cricket, aligning with the demands of the modern game. Sana highlighted the need for the team to address any shortcomings quickly to facilitate progress. She also mentioned the team’s strategy to adapt to the local Sri Lankan conditions in Hambantota, aiming to compete vigorously and manage pressure situations throughout the ODI matches while maintaining a positive outlook.
Series Schedule and Broadcast Details
The ODI series is the initial part of a longer tour, which will be followed by three T20Is. These T20I matches are scheduled for July 31, August 2, and August 4, also taking place in Hambantota. The full schedule for the ODI series is as follows:
- First ODI: July 23, Hambantota
- Second ODI: July 25, Hambantota
- Third ODI: July 28, Hambantota
For viewers in India, the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan women’s ODI series will be available for live streaming on FanCode, as there is no linear television channel broadcasting the matches in the country. In Sri Lanka, the matches can be watched via Dialog Television on ThePapare 2 (Channel 63) and ThePapare 2 HD (Channel 127). In Pakistan, the series will be broadcast on A Sports HD.
The Pakistan squad includes Fatima Sana (c), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani, and Waheeda Akhter. The Sri Lanka squad consists of Chamari Athapaththu (c), Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Dewmi Vihanga, Hansima Karunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Imeesha Dulani, Inoka Ranaweera, Kaveesha Dilhari, Kawya Kavindi, Nilakshika Silva, Nimasha Meepage, Rashmika Sewwandi, and Vishmi Gunaratne.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
