In their quest to lift their maiden ICC Women’s World Cup title in October 2025, the hosts are all set to begin their campaign in a triangular series, taking on Chamari Athapaththu-led Sri Lanka on Sunday. However, rain delayed the scheduled 10 a.m. start at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, playing spoilsport to the much-anticipated clash. The third team in the series is Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa.
After a long wait, the match finally started at 12 noon, with the game reduced to 39 overs per side. India won the toss and opted to field first.
Team India is being led by two-time WPL-winning captain and seasoned campaigner, Harmanpreet Kaur. However, the side is missing key pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar, along with spinner Shreyanka Patil, all sidelined due to injuries. This provides an opportunity for Arundhati Reddy to lead an inexperienced bowling unit. India’s spin attack has been bolstered by the return of the experienced Sneh Rana, alongside regular off-spinner Deepti Sharma.
Fans are hoping the weather remains clear to witness an exciting battle between the hosts and a strong Indian side.
India Women’s Squad: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, Kashvee Gautam, Arundhati Reddy.
Sri Lanka Women’s Squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (w), Hansima Karunaratne, Inoka Ranaweera, Nilakshi de Silva, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Rashmika Sewwandi, Dewmi Vihanga, Piyumi Wathsala.
