The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is around the corner, and the excitement is already buzzing as warm-up matches set the stage for the big tournament. Among these fixtures, the clash between Sri Lanka Women and Pakistan Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has caught the attention of fans. While it may not directly impact the tournament points table, matches like this are crucial — they allow teams to assess their form, experiment with strategies, and adapt to conditions.
As the match began, Sri Lanka Women won the toss and opted to bat first, signaling their intent to test their batting depth under home conditions. However, what unfolded in the first few overs was a reminder that warm-up matches can be just as competitive as the real deal.
Early Phases of the Match
Sri Lanka’s innings did not get the flying start they would have hoped for. Their skipper and star batter, Chamari Athapaththu, who is often the backbone of their batting lineup, fell cheaply for just 5 runs from 10 balls. Athapaththu edged a delivery from Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s lively pacer, and was caught behind at a crucial moment in the 5th over. Losing such a key player early on was undoubtedly a blow to Sri Lanka’s plans.
At that stage, the scoreboard read 24 for 1 in 4.5 overs. The pressure shifted onto the shoulders of Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama, who were tasked with steadying the innings. Perera began positively, striking a couple of crisp boundaries to move into double figures, while Samarawickrama was more cautious, taking her time to settle in.
For Pakistan, the opening bowling duo of Fatima Sana and Diana Baig looked sharp. Fatima bowled with intent, striking early, while Diana kept things tight from the other end, making sure Sri Lanka couldn’t dominate in the powerplay.
Importance of This Warm-Up
Though the scoreboard pressure is not as intense as in official World Cup fixtures, the warm-up games serve a bigger purpose. They are about:
- Understanding the pitch and ground conditions — whether it favors batters, seamers, or spinners.
- Experimenting with batting orders — giving players chances in different positions.
- Testing bowling combinations — trying out new-ball bowlers, spinners in the middle overs, and death bowling strategies.
- Boosting confidence and rhythm — making sure players get runs, wickets, and time in the middle before the tournament begins.
For Sri Lanka, batting first means they will get a clear idea of what’s a defendable total at Colombo. For Pakistan, the opportunity lies in practicing their bowling under chase pressure and tightening their fielding performance.
Key Players in the Spotlight
Sri Lanka Women
- Chamari Athapaththu: Even though she fell early today, her role remains vital. A dynamic opener and experienced leader, Athapaththu is Sri Lanka’s biggest hope in the World Cup.
- Hasini Perera: Currently anchoring the innings, she has shown good intent with her boundaries. If she can build a solid partnership, Sri Lanka’s batting could recover smoothly.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama: Calm and composed, she is known for stabilizing innings after early setbacks.
Pakistan Women
- Fatima Sana: Already making an impact with the ball, she is Pakistan’s strike bowler. Her ability to swing the new ball and bowl tight lines makes her a threat in any conditions.
- Diana Baig: Experienced and steady, her spells often build pressure on batters.
- Middle-order batters: In the second innings, Pakistan’s middle order will play a decisive role in whether they can chase effectively or not.
What to Watch for Next
The next phases of this match are crucial for both teams:
- Sri Lanka’s Middle Overs
The middle overs will decide whether Sri Lanka can post a competitive total. Partnerships of 60–70 runs will be key to stabilizing their innings. Their ability to rotate strike, avoid collapses, and accelerate in the final overs will shape the outcome. - Pakistan’s Bowling Strategy
Pakistan will aim to keep things tight and pick wickets regularly. Expect spinners to come into play soon, especially since Sri Lankan conditions often assist spin bowling. - Death Overs Acceleration
The last 8–10 overs will test Sri Lanka’s lower order. If they can push the score to around 200+, it will give their bowlers enough cushion to challenge Pakistan. - Chase Pressure
Pakistan’s batters will need to handle Sri Lanka’s spinners when they come on. The match will serve as a test of their ability to absorb pressure while chasing under Colombo’s humid evening conditions.
Why This Match Matters
While warm-ups don’t officially count, performances here can set the tone for the World Cup. A good innings or a solid bowling spell can boost a player’s morale, while a poor outing might expose weaknesses teams need to fix quickly. For Sri Lanka, the focus will be on building batting confidence beyond Athapaththu. For Pakistan, the spotlight is on their bowlers, who need to consistently provide breakthroughs.
The rivalry between the two Asian teams has always been competitive, and this fixture is no different. Fans will be keen to see how the young talents perform and how both sides plan to balance their playing XI heading into the tournament proper.
Conclusion
As the match progresses, all eyes remain on whether Sri Lanka can rebuild after the early setback and whether Pakistan can continue applying pressure. Warm-up matches like these may not grab headlines like World Cup fixtures, but they are just as valuable in shaping team form, morale, and momentum.
For Sri Lanka, recovering from the loss of Athapaththu and building partnerships will be their top priority. For Pakistan, the goal will be to strike consistently with the ball and later test their batting depth in the chase.
No matter how the result pans out, one thing is clear: both teams are hungry to leave their mark, and this warm-up is just the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying Women’s World Cup 2025.