SL-W vs NZ-W Match Preview – Sri Lanka Women are set to take on New Zealand Women in a pivotal ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday, October 14th. This match holds significant importance for both teams as they find themselves in the lower half of the points table, desperate for a victory to keep their semi-final aspirations alive. The hosts, Sri Lanka, are still searching for their first win of the tournament, while New Zealand will be buoyed by their recent comprehensive victory over Bangladesh.
The shadow of a potential injury to Sri Lanka’s talismanic captain, Chamari Atapattu, looms large over this contest. Atapattu suffered a calf injury in their previous match against England and, while she bravely returned to bat, her fitness remains a serious concern. Her absence would be a monumental blow to a Sri Lankan side that heavily relies on her explosive batting and leadership.
New Zealand, on the other hand, seems to be finding their rhythm after a shaky start to their campaign. Their 100-run victory over Bangladesh was a display of their all-round strength, with captain Sophie Devine leading from the front with the bat and their seam attack proving potent.
SL-W vs NZ-W Match Details
SL-W vs NZ-W Head to Head
New Zealand has historically dominated Sri Lanka in the 50-over format. In their 16 encounters, the White Ferns have emerged victorious on 13 occasions, with Sri Lanka managing only two wins. This lopsided record will give New Zealand a significant psychological advantage heading into this clash.
SL-W vs NZ-W Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has offered a balanced contest between bat and ball throughout the tournament. The pitch is expected to be conducive to batting, with a true bounce that allows for stroke play. However, as the match progresses, the spinners are likely to come into their own, finding turn and assistance from the surface. The fast bowlers might get some initial movement with the new ball. With the threat of rain, the team winning the toss might be inclined to bowl first to take advantage of any moisture and have a clear target in sight.
SL-W vs NZ-W Weather Report
The weather in Colombo on Tuesday could play a significant role in the outcome of the match. The forecast predicts a high probability of rain, with light showers expected during the day and a greater chance of more persistent rain in the evening. This could lead to a shortened match and bring the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method into play. The temperature is expected to be in the high 20s Celsius.
SL-W vs NZ-W Playing11
Sri Lanka Women (SL-W): Hasini Perera, Vishmi Rajapaksha, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya. (Subject to Chamari Atapattu’s fitness)
New Zealand Women (NZ-W): Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson.
SL-W vs NZ-W Squads
Sri Lanka Women Squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Chamari Atapattu (C), Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Sugandika Kumari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Vishmi Rajapaksha, Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Malki Madara, Dewmi Vihanga, Piyumi Wathsala.
New Zealand Women Squad: Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr, Bree Illing, Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James.
SL-W vs NZ-W Match Prediction
New Zealand will start as the firm favorites in this encounter. Their recent victory, the sublime form of their captain Sophie Devine, and their dominant head-to-head record against Sri Lanka give them a clear edge. The potential absence of Chamari Atapattu further tilts the scales in favor of the White Ferns.
For Sri Lanka to pull off an upset, they will need a collective effort from their batting unit to support their potent spin attack, led by the experienced Inoka Ranaweera. Harshitha Samarawickrama will have a crucial role to play with the bat, especially if Atapattu is unavailable.
However, given the current form and historical context, New Zealand is expected to continue their winning momentum and secure a crucial two points in their quest for a semi-final spot. The weather, however, remains a wild card and could have the final say.
Prediction: New Zealand Women to win.
