Sri Lanka’s women’s national cricket team stands as a symbol of perseverance, growth, and achievement in the world of women’s cricket. Managed by Sri Lanka Cricket, the team has steadily climbed the ranks, overcoming challenges and setting new benchmarks in international competitions. This article provides a full, detailed look at the team’s history, key achievements, notable players, recent performances, and answers to frequently asked questions.
History and Milestones
The Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team made its One Day International (ODI) debut in 1997 against the Netherlands and later participated in the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India. Since then, the team has featured in every edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup. Its best World Cup performance came in 2013, when Sri Lanka finished fifth, a result that included notable victories over England and India.
Sri Lanka women played their first and only Test match to date in April 1998, defeating Pakistan by a massive margin of 309 runs at the Colts Cricket Club Ground in Colombo. While Test cricket is rare for the team, they remain active participants in both ODI and T20 formats.
Sri Lanka has also competed in every edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, though they have yet to progress beyond the first round. Despite this, the team has recorded several memorable performances and upsets, including a series of recent victories that have elevated their status in women’s cricket.
Key Achievements and Recent Success
In recent years, the Sri Lanka women’s team has achieved significant milestones. In 2023, they secured their first-ever T20 International series victory against England in England, a historic 2-1 win. This marked the first time England lost a bilateral T20I series to any team other than Australia since 2010. The team also recorded its first T20 series win against South Africa in 2024, further cementing its reputation as a growing force in women’s cricket.
Perhaps the most significant achievement in recent history was winning the 2024 Women’s Twenty20 Asia Cup. Playing in front of their home supporters at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka defeated India in the final by eight wickets, chasing a target of 166 with eight balls to spare. This victory marked the first time Sri Lanka had won the Women’s Asia Cup and was celebrated as a landmark moment for women’s cricket in the country.
The team’s recent success has been recognized with a USD 500,000 reward for their Asia Cup triumph, highlighting the growing support and recognition for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
Team Records and Statistics
Batting and Bowling Records
-
Highest Team Total in T20Is: 184/4 vs Malaysia on July 22, 2024, at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
-
Highest Individual Score in T20Is: 119 not out by Chamari Athapaththu vs Malaysia on July 22, 2024.
-
Best Bowling in an Innings in T20Is: 4 wickets for 2 runs by Malsha Shehani vs Malaysia on October 8, 2022.
Leading Run-Scorers and Wicket-Takers in T20 Internationals
| Most Runs | Runs | Career Span |
|---|---|---|
| Chamari Athapaththu | 3,458 | 2009–2025 |
| Harshitha Samarawickrama | 1,527 | 2016–2025 |
| Nilakshi de Silva | 1,151 | 2013–2025 |
| Most Wickets | Wickets | Career Span |
|---|---|---|
| Inoka Ranaweera | 92 | 2012–2024 |
| Udeshika Prabodhani | 84 | 2009–2024 |
| Shashikala Siriwardene | 77 | 2010–2020 |
Notable Players
-
Chamari Athapaththu (Captain): The team’s talismanic leader, Athapaththu is not only the leading run-scorer but also a world-class all-rounder. She has been ranked number one in ICC ODI rankings and is the first Sri Lankan woman to feature prominently in franchise cricket.
-
Anushka Sanjeewani (Vice-Captain, Wicketkeeper): A reliable wicketkeeper and middle-order batter, Sanjeewani is known for her sharp glovework and calm presence.
-
Inoka Ranaweera (Vice-Captain, Spinner): The leading wicket-taker in T20Is, Ranaweera is a crafty left-arm spinner who has been a mainstay of the bowling attack.
-
Udeshika Prabodhani (Pace Bowler): An experienced left-arm medium pacer, Prabodhani brings variety and consistency to the bowling lineup.
-
Harshitha Samarawickrama (Batter): A dependable top-order batter, Samarawickrama has been a consistent performer in both ODI and T20 formats.
Squad Overview (as of late 2023)
The Sri Lanka women’s team features a blend of experienced veterans and promising young players. Key members include:
-
Batters: Harshitha Madavi, Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Kawya Kavindi, Imesha Dulani, Kaushini Nuthyangana
-
All-rounders: Ama Kanchana, Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Kavisha Dilhari
-
Wicketkeeper: Anushka Sanjeewani (Vice-Captain)
-
Spin Bowlers: Inoka Ranaweera (Vice-Captain), Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadarshani, Sachini Nisansala
-
Pace Bowlers: Achini Kulasuriya, Udeshika Prabodhani
Recent Performances and Future Prospects
The past 12–18 months have been transformative for Sri Lanka women’s cricket. The team’s series victories against Bangladesh (2-1, 2023), England (2-1, 2023), and South Africa (2-1, 2024) have showcased their ability to compete with and defeat higher-ranked teams. The highest run chases in T20s—167/2 vs India and 156/6 vs South Africa—were both recorded in 2024, highlighting the team’s improved batting depth and composure under pressure.
Sri Lanka also won their first ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers, securing their place in the next edition of the tournament. These achievements have not only boosted the team’s confidence but also raised the profile of women’s cricket in Sri Lanka.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team make its international debut?
Ans. The team made its ODI debut in 1997 against the Netherlands and participated in the 1997 Women’s World Cup.
2. How many times has Sri Lanka participated in the Women’s Cricket World Cup?
Ans. Sri Lanka has participated in every edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup since 1997.
3. Has Sri Lanka women’s team played any Test matches?
Ans. Yes, they played one Test match in April 1998, defeating Pakistan by 309 runs.
4. Who is the current captain of the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team?
Ans. Chamari Athapaththu is the current captain.
5. Who are the leading run-scorers and wicket-takers for Sri Lanka women in T20 Internationals?
Ans. Chamari Athapaththu is the leading run-scorer, and Inoka Ranaweera is the leading wicket-taker.
6. What is Sri Lanka’s record against major teams in T20 Internationals?
Ans. Sri Lanka has a mixed record, with notable recent victories against England and South Africa, but has struggled against teams like Australia and India.
7. What is the highest team total and individual score for Sri Lanka women in T20 Internationals?
Ans. The highest team total is 184/4 vs Malaysia (2024), and the highest individual score is 119 not out by Chamari Athapaththu vs Malaysia (2024).
8. Who are some of the key players in the current squad?
Ans. Key players include Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Anushka Sanjeewani (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Inoka Ranaweera (vice-captain, spinner), Udeshika Prabodhani (pace bowler), and Harshitha Samarawickrama (batter).
9. How has Sri Lanka performed in recent tournaments?
Ans. Sri Lanka has shown significant improvement, winning the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup and securing series victories against England and South Africa.
10. What is Sri Lanka’s current ICC ranking in women’s cricket?
Ans. Sri Lanka women are currently ranked 7th in T20 Internationals and 8th in ODIs.
11. What are some recent milestones for the Sri Lanka women’s team?
Ans. Recent milestones include their first T20 series wins against England and South Africa, and their first Asia Cup title in 2024.
12. Who are some uncapped players recently included in the squad?
Ans. Recent squads have included uncapped players such as Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Badalge, and Malki Madara.
13. What is the best bowling performance by a Sri Lanka women’s player in T20 Internationals?
Ans. The best bowling performance is 4 wickets for 2 runs by Malsha Shehani vs Malaysia in 2022.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team has made remarkable progress in recent years, achieving historic victories and raising the profile of women’s cricket in the country. Led by inspirational captain Chamari Athapaththu and supported by a talented group of players, the team continues to break new ground and inspire future generations. With a blend of youth and experience, Sri Lanka women’s cricket is poised for even greater success in the years to come.
