Hambantota: Sri Lanka announces squad for Pakistan ODI series, Vishmi Gunaratne returns

By Arjun Sharma — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

Squad Announcement for Pakistan Series

Sri Lanka has named a 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match home One Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan. The series will see Chamari Athapaththu continue in her role as captain. The squad includes the return of Vishmi Gunaratne, alongside other key players.

The selection marks the first international assignment for both teams since the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which took place in England and Wales. The series is significant as it forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle, where both teams are looking to strengthen their positions.

Among the notable inclusions is teenage fast bowler Rashmika Sewwandi, who has earned her maiden ODI call-up. Her selection highlights a focus on integrating new talent into the national side. The squad also sees the return of Nimasha Meepage and Anushka Sanjeewani.

The selectors have largely maintained the core group of players who participated in the recent T20 World Cup campaign. Players such as Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga, and veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera have all retained their places in the squad.

The series will be played entirely in Hambantota, with all three matches scheduled at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium. The fixtures are set for July 23, July 25, and July 28.

Changes and Player Returns

The current squad reflects several changes from the team that toured Bangladesh for a three-match series in April of this year. Five players from that tour—Kaushini Nuthyangana, Piumi Wathsala, Malki Madara, Sugandika Kumari, and Nimesha Madushani—have been left out of the upcoming home series against Pakistan.

The inclusion of Vishmi Gunaratne, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nimasha Meepage, and Rashmika Sewwandi serves as replacements for the omitted players, bringing fresh talent and experience into the team. The decision to trim the squad to 15 members also contributed to these adjustments.

Chamari Athapaththu, the experienced top-order batter, will continue to lead the side. Her leadership and performance were highlighted during Sri Lanka’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, where she delivered strong batting performances, including an unbeaten 106 against Ireland, and contributed with the ball.

The team’s performance in the recent T20 World Cup saw them finish third in Group B, narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot based on net run rate. This upcoming ODI series offers an opportunity for the team to build on that momentum and improve their standing in the ICC Women’s Championship.

ICC Women’s Championship Implications

The three-match ODI series holds considerable importance for Sri Lanka in the context of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29. Sri Lanka currently occupies third place in the standings, having accumulated eight points from six matches.

Their opponents, Pakistan, are positioned second in the standings, also with eight points from six matches, but hold a relatively superior net run rate. This makes the series a crucial encounter for both teams as they aim to improve their championship standings.

A successful performance in this home series against Pakistan would allow Sri Lanka to strengthen their position within the championship cycle. The matches are scheduled to take place on July 23, July 25, and July 28 in Hambantota.

The full squad for the series includes:

• Chamari Athapaththu (captain)
• Vishmi Gunaratne
• Hasini Perera
• Harshitha Samarawickrama
• Hansima Karunaratne
• Kaveesha Dilhari
• Nilakshika Silva
• Anushka Sanjeewani
• Chethana Vimukthi
• Inoka Ranaweera
• Nimasha Meepage
• Imesha Dulani
• Dewmi Vihanga
• Rashmika Sewwandi
• Kawya Kavindi

The series will commence on July 23 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

Source: thehawk.in