Women's WC Preview | Sri Lanka look to extend winning run and stay alive in semis race

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The 25th match of the Women’s World Cup takes place on October 24, 2025, at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where Sri Lanka Women will face Pakistan Women. While both teams are practically out of the running for a semi-final spot, the Lionesses could keep the door ajar with a NRR boosting win.

Chamari Athapaththu will once again be key for Sri Lanka's chances against Pakistan in the Women's World Cup in Colombo

The Sri Lankan women's team won by seven runs against Bangladesh in their previous fixture. They have had their difficulties in the tournament, particularly in the match against South Africa, but the team remains resilient. Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama continue to lead the batting lineup, while Inoka Ranaweera and Udeshika Prabodhani play key roles in the bowling attack. Sri Lanka's balanced lineup gives them an advantage in this match, but they will need to try not to repeat the mistakes of their previous defeat, especially when chasing big targets.

On the other hand, the Pakistan women's team is going through a tough time in the tournament. It has been unable to find its form and has suffered heavy defeats to India, Australia, and South Africa. Despite decent performances from Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin, the team has been inconsistent, leading to failures at key moments. Pakistan bowlers such as Fatima Sana and Diana Baig need to step up and make more of an impact to help the team get back on track. They have something to prove in this match and will be looking to end their losing streak.

Sri Lanka enters the game as the favorite, especially given their recent consistent form and home field advantage. However, Pakistan is capable of springing a surprise, and they will need a collective effort to turn the game around in their favor.

Form Guide

Sri Lanka have shown inconsistent form in the World Cup. The opener against Australia on October 4 was cancelled, while defeats to England and South Africa showed that the team needs to improve still. Their only win has been against Bangladesh, but despite Chamari Athapaththu's excellent form, the team needs to strengthen its batting depth. The bowling attack, led by Inoka Ranaweera, is effective at taking key wickets, but lacks consistency at critical moments.

Pakistan’s form has been erratic, with their top order failing to fire in most of their recent matches. The team has endured four defeats and their only points have come courtesy of two rained out matches. Key players such as Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin must continue to show leadership qualities and help the team remain competitive in the remaining matches.

Sri Lanka: L L NR L W

Pakistan: L L NR NR L

SL vs PAK Head-to-Head in WODIs

Sri Lanka Women have a strong record against Pakistan Women, winning 22 out of their 33 encounters. Pakistan has only managed 11 victories in their history against Sri Lanka, and their recent meetings have been mostly in favor of the hosts. Sri Lanka has been dominant in their last five encounters, and Pakistan will need a strong performance to change the trend.

Sri Lanka 22-11 Pakistan

Pitch and Weather

R. Premadasa Stadium provides a well-balanced pitch that suits both batters and bowlers. Fast bowlers will get some assistance early on, but spinners are expected to play a bigger role as the game progresses. The weather forecast for match day is clear with temperatures around 30°C, providing perfect conditions for cricket. The pitch is expected to be dry, and teams winning the toss may opt to bowl first to take advantage of any early movement and to chase a target under clear conditions.

Team News

Sri Lanka is expected to field their strongest available XI, with Chamari Athapaththu leading from the front. Inoka Ranaweera and Udeshika Prabodhani are expected to continue their key roles in the bowling attack.

Pakistan will look to make some tactical adjustments, with their top-order batters needing to contribute more consistently. The bowlers, especially Fatima Sana and Diana Baig, will need to step up and take the lead.

Sri Lanka Women (probable): Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera

Pakistan Women (probable): Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (c), Diana Baig, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu