Linchpin: Skipper Chamari’s composure will be central to the Island nation’s hopes of ending on a high note.
| Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI
As the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 winds down in Colombo, Pakistan and Sri Lanka enter their final league stage clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium, eager to close their campaigns on a high.
Pakistan will chase a last-ditch win, while the host will hope to salvage pride at home and lift the spirits of its sparse local support.
It has been over three years since these sides last met in a 50-over game, when Pakistan claimed a 2–1 series victory.
Sidra Amin led the charge, amassing 218 runs across three games, including a century and a fifty.
In the consolation win, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu stood out with her all-round brilliance — skills that remain ever present, most notably in the recent seven-run win over Bangladesh earlier this week.
In a tense finish, Athapaththu’s final over produced four wickets, a single, and a dot ball as the Tigresses collapsed chasing nine with five wickets in hand.
That composure will again be central to Sri Lanka’s hopes, although sharper fielding remains an area for improvement.
The priority, however, will be greater middle-order stability against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
Fatima Sana has led the attack with characteristic aggression, while the spinners have been highly effective, often compensating for the side’s inconsistent batting performances.
It will be the final opportunity for Sri Lanka’s highly backed top-order to come good.
A complete team effort — something the players have emphasised throughout — will be vital if they are to finish on a positive note.
Both sides endured bruising, rain-hit defeats to South Africa in their previous outings at this venue.
This time, they will hope for clear skies and a result that restores belief before they bring their World Cup journeys to a close.
Published – October 23, 2025 11:45 pm IST
