ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Preview – Sri Lanka Women vs Pakistan Women

Match 25
Date: Friday, October 24, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM GMT (3:00 PM IST)
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Match Context and Significance

The 25th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 will see Sri Lanka Women take on Pakistan Women at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With the tournament nearing its midpoint, this match carries significant stakes for Sri Lanka, who are still in contention for a semifinal spot. A strong performance could keep their hopes alive, while Pakistan, already eliminated from the semifinals, will be looking to finish the campaign on a high note.

Team Form and Momentum

Sri Lanka Women

Sri Lanka has shown promising form in recent matches, particularly with the bat. Nilakshika Silva has been in sublime touch, scoring consistently across the tournament. Captain Chamari Athapaththu has been a dual threat with both bat and ball, contributing significantly with the bat and taking wickets regularly. The spin department, led by Inoka Ranaweera, has also been a strong suit, providing control and breakthroughs in crucial moments.

Pakistan Women

Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the competition, with four defeats in six matches. However, Sidra Amin has been a standout performer with the bat, amassing over 650 runs in the tournament and scoring seven half-centuries. The bowling unit, led by Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu, has been consistent and has the potential to trouble the Sri Lankan batters if conditions are favorable.

Key Players to Watch

Sri Lanka Women

• Chamari Athapaththu (Captain): All-rounder with 332 runs and 13 wickets in the tournament.
• Nilakshika Silva: Top-order batter with 389 runs in 13 games at an average of 35.4.
• Inoka Ranaweera: Spin threat with 11 wickets in 8 games at an average of 28.5.

Pakistan Women

• Sidra Amin: Leading run-scorer of the tournament with 656 runs at 59.6.
• Fatima Sana (Captain): Right-arm seamer with 22 wickets at a decent average.
• Nashra Sandhu: Left-arm spinner who has consistently taken wickets and provided tight lines.

Head-to-Head History

The two teams have met regularly in the past, with Sri Lanka holding a 22–11 advantage in ODIs. However, Pakistan enjoyed a strong run in the 2018 series in Dambulla, winning three in a row. More recently, in the 2022 series in Karachi, Pakistan took two wins before Sri Lanka responded with a dominant 93-run victory.

Notably, Sri Lanka's highest score of 260/7 against Pakistan at Karachi in 2022 stands as the highest team total in the rivalry.

Venue and Conditions

The match will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium, a ground known for producing high-scoring matches due to its flat pitch and batting-friendly outfield. With the recent trend favoring batters, both teams will aim to post competitive totals, and the spinners are expected to play a crucial role in the middle overs.

Prediction and Match Outlook

Sri Lanka enters this game with more momentum and a clearer purpose. The form of Chamari Athapaththu and Nilakshika Silva gives them a solid foundation, while the spin department remains a key differentiator. However, Sidra Amin and Fatima Sana are capable of turning the game in Pakistan’s favor with big individual performances.

Given the current form and the venue conditions, Sri Lanka are slight favorites to win this match and keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Key Matchups

• Nilakshika Silva vs. Nashra Sandhu: A battle between top-order batter and experienced spinner.
• Sidra Amin vs. Inoka Ranaweera: Two key players in their respective teams' spin departments.
• Chamari Athapaththu vs. Fatima Sana: A tactical battle between all-rounder and captain.

Final Verdict

Sri Lanka Women are expected to make the better of the conditions and their superior form. However, a composed performance from Pakistan's top order and spinners could upset the odds.

Prediction:
Sri Lanka Women by 5-7 wickets

Match Start Time:
10:30 AM GMT / 3:00 PM IST / October 24, 2025

Venue:
R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
“`