Vishmi Gunaratne has been recalled to the Sri Lanka women's ODI squad for the upcoming home series against Pakistan. Her return to the 15-member roster potentially sets the stage for her to resume her role as an opening partner for captain Chamari Athapaththu. Along with Gunaratne, wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani and uncapped seamer Rashmika Sewwandi have been brought into the side. These changes follow the team's 3-0 sweep against Bangladesh in April, with Kaushini Nuthyangana, Piumi Wathsala, Malki Madara, and Sugandika Kumari departing from the previous squad.
The exclusion of Malki Madara is notable, as the 25-year-old seamer had enjoyed a productive run with eight wickets in six ODIs this year. However, selectors have opted to prioritize the development of 19-year-old quick Rashmika Sewwandi. Meanwhile, the omission of Sugandika Kumari aligns with expectations for the conditions in Hambantota, where the three matches are scheduled to take place; the venue is not expected to offer significant turn, and the squad has other spin options available, including Inoka Ranaweera, Dewmi Vihanga, Kavisha Dilhari, Nimasha Meepage, and Athapaththu.
The return of Gunaratne creates a tactical decision at the top of the batting order. Hasini Perera has performed well as an opener this year, accumulating 229 runs at an average of 38.16 with two fifties. Given her previous experience at no. 3, she may shift positions to accommodate Gunaratne. Additionally, the return of Anushka Sanjeewani is expected to strengthen the lower-middle order.
The bowling attack maintains a youthful profile, with 23-year-old Kawya Kavindi serving as the most experienced seamer with five ODI caps. She is joined by 24-year-old Chethana Vimukthi, who has appeared in three ODIs, and the debutant Sewwandi. The three-match series, part of the ICC Women's Championship 2025-2029 cycle, is scheduled for July 23, 25, and 28 in Hambantota.
The full squad includes Chamari Athapaththu (capt.), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, and Kawya Kavindi.
Of those excluded, Madara might feel the most hard-done by. The 25-year-old seamer had picked up eight wickets across six ODIs since the start of the year – her most effective period in the format since debuting in 2025 – but Sri Lanka have opted to trial 19-year-old quick Sewwandi instead.
With conditions in Hambantota, where all three ODIs and subsequent T20s will take place, not expected to take that much turn, the exclusion of Kumari tracks – particularly with the squad being trimmed from 16 to 15 players, and other spin options available in the likes of Inoka Ranaweera, Dewmi Vihanga, Kavisha Dilhari
