New Zealand secured a win after two defeats, while Sri Lanka`s only points have come courtesy of a washout in the Women`s World Cup 2025/26.
Can Sri Lanka leverage their recent record against New Zealand in this crucial World Cup fixture?
Match Context: Both Teams Seek Revival
Sri Lanka`s 2025 Women`s World Cup campaign desperately needs a jolt of energy. Despite playing at home, their schedule has been challenging, pitting them against strong opponents in their first three games. The solitary point gained from a washout against Australia is currently their only source of hope.
New Zealand has also had a rough start, suffering significant losses to Australia and South Africa. However, their recent victory over Bangladesh provides a much-needed boost. While not as desperate as Sri Lanka, a loss in Colombo would be a major blow to New Zealand`s semi-final aspirations, especially with formidable teams like South Africa, England, Australia, and India showing dominant form.
Adding a layer of intrigue, Sri Lanka famously defeated New Zealand 2-1 in a three-match ODI series held in Galle in 2023. Both those Sri Lankan victories were propelled by exceptional individual performances from Chamari Athapaththu, including a memorable 140 not out from just 80 balls.
Despite this historical context, New Zealand`s batting performance in the current tournament appears stronger than Sri Lanka`s. New Zealand has consistently posted totals between 225 and 240 in all three of their innings. In contrast, Sri Lanka managed a mere 164 against England at the same venue on Saturday.
New Zealand`s bowling attack, particularly their seamers Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu who each took three wickets against Bangladesh, has been effective. However, spin bowling often dictates play at Khettarama. Leg-spinner Amelia Kerr has taken five wickets so far but will likely require more support from her fellow spinners to make a significant impact in the upcoming match.
Form Guide
- Sri Lanka: LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
- New Zealand: WLLWW
Maddy Green discusses how Halliday offers many options against spin.
Player Spotlight: Amelia Kerr and Hasini Perera
Sri Lanka will be extremely wary of Amelia Kerr’s bowling, given her impressive average of 24.62 in Asia. However, this tournament is yet to see the best of Kerr the batter, and her team`s stop in Sri Lanka might be the ideal place for her to change that. She played only three innings on the island during the 2023 series, but notably scored 108 off 106 balls in the only match New Zealand won. While she`s made some starts at No. 3 in this World Cup, her innings have been slightly labored. Kerr firing at first-drop would make New Zealand a much more formidable opposition as the tournament progresses.
Sri Lankan batter Hasini Perera has recently faced criticism, partly due to her long-term record; after 53 ODI innings, her highest score remains 46. This year, Perera has been asked to open the innings, a strategic move by Sri Lanka to develop Vishmi Gunaratne at No. 4, where it is hoped she will have greater success. Despite the scrutiny, Hasini, who averages a respectable 33 at No. 4, top-scored for Sri Lanka in their loss to England, demonstrating her capability at the top of the order. A good score – ideally a fifty – is needed to silence her critics.
Pitch and Conditions: Expect Spin and Possible Rain
Colombo’s weather continues to be humid and hot, with frequent showers expected, mirroring conditions of the past two weeks. The pitch is anticipated to offer considerable turn, much like it did on Saturday.
Team News: Focus on Sri Lanka`s Attack
Sri Lanka will be considering Dewmi Vihanga’s place in the XI. While she offers off-spin and some batting depth, her fielding has been a liability. Seamer Malki Madara, who impressed in the tri-series earlier in the year, is a potential alternative waiting in the squad.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Hasini Perera, 2 Chamari Athapaththu (capt), 3 Harshith Samarawickrama, 4 Vishmi Gunaratne, 5 Kavisha Dihari, 6 Nilakshika Silva, 7 Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), 8 Dewmi Vihanga/Malki Madara/Achini Kulasuriya, 9 Sugandika Kumari, 10 Udeshika Prabodhani, 11 Inoka Ranaweera
New Zealand may retain their winning XI.
New Zealand (possible): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Rosemary Mair, 10 Lea Tahuhu, 11 Eden Carson
Stats and Trivia
- New Zealand had never lost an ODI against Sri Lanka until they lost twice in one series in 2023. Their overall record is 13 wins to those two losses. They won by big margins against Sri Lanka this year as well, but those two games had been played in New Zealand.
- Amelia Kerr enjoys bowling in Asia, but her batting in the continent has not been quite as strong – she averages 36.37 in Asia, down from her overall average of 41.18.
- Inoka Ranaweera has been Sri Lanka’s best bowler by a distance in their first two completed matches. So far this tournament, she has seven wickets at an average of 11.29.
Quotes
“In this tournament so far we`ve seen wickets falling early in just about every ground pretty much. It`s about trying to build big partnerships up top.”
“Even though Hasini has played short innings, we think those are good innings. And sometimes no one has played better. We know what she is capable of.”
