Sri Lanka women's cricket has received a significant boost ahead of their upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with selectors announcing the return of two key players to the national squad. Wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani and hard-hitting batter Vishmi Gunaratne have both been recalled to the 15-member squad, which will be captained by the experienced Chamari Athapaththu. The squad announcement, made on Friday, July 17, signals a fresh approach from Sri Lanka's selection panel as the team looks to strengthen its ODI lineup ahead of what promises to be a competitive series.
Anushka Sanjeewani's Return to the National Setup
Anushka Sanjeewani's recall is one of the most talked-about decisions in this squad selection. The talented wicketkeeper last represented Sri Lanka during the 2025 ODI World Cup, a tournament that showcased her abilities behind the stumps and with the bat. Following the World Cup, Sanjeewani was dropped from the squad in favour of Kaushani Nuthyangana, a decision that surprised many cricket observers who had rated her performances highly on the international stage.
Her return to the squad suggests that selectors have been impressed by her consistency at the domestic level and are keen to reintegrate her into the international setup. Sanjeewani's wicketkeeping skills and ability to contribute crucial runs in the lower middle order make her a valuable asset for Sri Lanka, especially in the ODI format where versatility is highly prized. Her experience from the World Cup will also prove invaluable as Sri Lanka looks to build a competitive team for future global tournaments.
Vishmi Gunaratne Back in the Fold
Alongside Sanjeewani, the return of Vishmi Gunaratne adds considerable firepower to Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Gunaratne is widely regarded as one of the most explosive batters in Sri Lankan women's cricket, known for her ability to change the course of a match with her aggressive stroke play. Her recall is a clear indication that the selectors want a more dynamic and attacking approach in the batting department for the Pakistan series.
Gunaratne's return will provide Chamari Athapaththu with greater flexibility in terms of batting order options. Having two aggressive batters in the lineup can put opposition bowling attacks under significant pressure, particularly in the crucial middle overs of an ODI match. Her experience and match-winning ability at the international level make her a vital component of Sri Lanka's plans going forward.
Chamari Athapaththu Leads a Balanced Squad
Captain Chamari Athapaththu continues to be the cornerstone of Sri Lanka's women's cricket team. One of the finest women cricketers in the world, Athapaththu's leadership and batting prowess remain central to Sri Lanka's strategy in any series. Under her captaincy, Sri Lanka has shown considerable improvement in their ODI performances, and the team will be looking to carry that momentum into the Pakistan series.
The 15-member squad selected for the series appears to strike a balance between experience and emerging talent. The inclusion of returning players like Sanjeewani and Gunaratne alongside established names provides a solid foundation, while also giving the squad depth across all three departments of the game. The selectors appear to have made calculated decisions aimed at building a well-rounded team capable of competing at the highest level.
What to Expect from the Pakistan ODI Series
The three-match ODI series against Pakistan is set to be a highly competitive contest between two sides that have been making steady progress in women's cricket. Pakistan have been developing their women's cricket program aggressively in recent years, and they will pose a stern challenge to Sri Lanka on home or neutral territory. For Sri Lanka, this series represents an important opportunity to test their squad depth and refine their combination ahead of future international commitments.
The return of Sanjeewani and Gunaratne could prove to be a decisive factor in the series outcome. Both players bring different but complementary skills to the team, and their presence in the squad significantly raises the quality and competitiveness of Sri Lanka's lineup. Fans and cricket analysts will be watching closely to see how the two returning players settle back into international cricket and contribute to the team's overall performance.
Looking Ahead for Sri Lanka Women's Cricket
This squad announcement reflects a broader strategic vision from Sri Lanka Cricket's selection committee. By recalling experienced players who have proven their worth at the international level, the selectors are clearly prioritizing performance and results. The Pakistan ODI series will serve as a crucial platform for players to stake their claim for long-term spots in the national setup.
With Chamari Athapaththu at the helm and a refreshed squad that includes the returning talents of Anushka Sanjeewani and Vishmi Gunaratne, Sri Lanka women's cricket appears to be heading in a positive direction. Cricket fans across the island nation will be eagerly anticipating the series, hoping that their team can put in strong performances and continue building towards greater success on the international stage.