Colombo: In the 18th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, South Africa Women will face Sri Lanka women at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match is a day/night (D/N) ODI, with a start time of 3:00 PM IST (local time) in Sri Lanka.
Fans can watch the game live via broadcasters like Star Sports & Jio Hostar in India, while international streaming options include Willow TV (USA/Canada) and other regional networks. Expect the match duration to stretch into the evening (approx until 10:10 PM local), given the two-session format under lights.
Pitch Report & Conditions
R. Premadasa Stadium has historically offered a balance: early overs favour batters, as the ball comes nicely onto the bat, but as the innings progress, spin begins to assert itself. Dew under lights can assist batting later, but spinners will likely play a pivotal role, especially in the middle overs. According to projections, a total in the 240–250 range could put pressure on the chasing side, though shorter or longer depending on conditions.
Humidity in Colombo and evening moisture may help the ball grip for spinners, making every wicket crucial.
Team Form & Recent Performance
South Africa enters this match in stronger form, having won three of their four outings so far in the tournament. Their consistency with both bat and ball has made them a tough side to dislodge.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have struggled to string wins together. Their campaign has been marked by sporadic good performances, often from individual players, but insufficient depth so far. They will need to deliver a near-complete showing to trouble South Africa today.
Playing Squads
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Karabo Meso, Nondumiso Shangase, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus
Sri Lanka Women: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Piumi Wathsala, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Achini Kulasuriya, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Udeshika Prabodhani
These squads combine experience and youth; watch how captains manage matchups across spin and pace.
Match Prediction & Scenarios
Given historical head‑to‑head and current form, South Africa are slight favourites. If they win the toss and bat first, they might aim for a big total and put Sri Lanka under scoreboard pressure. If they bowl first, they could then chase under lights using momentum.
Sri Lanka’s best chance lies in a strong top-order showing to blunt the early spin and then letting their spinners and all‑rounders exploit the middle overs. If they can keep things tight on a slow pitch, they might pull off an upset. But in most predicted scenarios, the side batting second may have an edge in exploiting dew under lights.
Key Players to Watch
- Laura Wolvaardt (SA): a consistent top-order anchor.
- Chloe Tryon / Sune Luus (SA): clutch batters under pressure.
- Chamari Athapaththu (SL): usually leads Sri Lanka’s batting charge.
- Nilakshika Silva, Sugandika Kumari (SL): spin and middle‑order threats.
- Marizanne Kapp / Nadine de Klerk (SA): versatile allrounders who can turn matches.