Table of Contents
The cricketing world turns its attention to Colombo as Sri Lanka host the Women’s ODI tri-series 2025, featuring India, South Africa, and the home team. Scheduled from April 27 to May 11, all matches will be held at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium. This series serves as a vital preparatory platform ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year. Each team will face each other twice in a round-robin format, culminating in a final between the top two teams on May 11.
Team India enter the series as a formidable force, boasting a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. With a recent 3-0 sweep against the West Indies & Ireland and their players’ strong performances in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), the squad is well-poised to dominate the tri-series. The team’s depth in both batting and bowling departments makes them one of the favourites to clinch the title.
Team India are the favourites to win the series
At the top of the order, Smriti Mandhana leads the charge. As the fastest Indian woman to reach 4,000 ODI runs and the first to score 10 centuries in the format, her consistency is unparalleled. Her recent accolades, including the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, underscore her pivotal role in the lineup.
Joining her is the prodigious Pratika Rawal, who made an immediate impact with a century (154) against Ireland and a match-winning 76 against the West Indies. Her ability to build partnerships, notably two 110-run stands with Mandhana, showcases her maturity beyond her years.
The middle order is fortified by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, whose aggressive batting style and leadership have been instrumental in India’s successes. With over 3,600 ODI runs and a top score of 171*, she provides both stability and firepower. Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her flair and adaptability, adds further depth, while Deepti Sharma‘s all-round capabilities make her a valuable asset in both batting and bowling departments.
India’s top-choice playing XI for the Women’s ODI Sri Lanka tri-series 2025
- Smriti Mandhana – Opening batter
A cornerstone of India’s batting lineup, Mandhana brings experience and elegance to the top order. Her ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes her indispensable. As vice-captain, her leadership on the field complements her batting prowess.
- Pratika Rawal – Opening batter
A rising star, Rawal has showcased her talent with a century and multiple fifties in her initial ODIs. Her right-handed aggression pairs well with Mandhana’s left-handed finesse, providing a balanced opening partnership.
- Jemimah Rodrigues – Middle-order batter
Jemimah, Known for her flair and adaptability, Jemimah stabilizes the middle order. Her ability to rotate the strike and find gaps keeps the scoreboard ticking, setting the stage for big finishes.
- Harmanpreet Kaur (c) – Middle-order batter
As captain, Harmanpreet brings leadership and experience. Her aggressive batting style can change the game’s momentum, and her occasional off-spin offers a bowling option.
- Deepti Sharma – All-rounder
A vital cog in the team, Deepti’s left-handed batting and right-arm off-spin make her a true all-rounder. Her ability to contribute significantly in both departments provides balance to the side.
- Richa Ghosh – Wicketkeeper
Richa’s explosive batting in the lower middle order can accelerate the innings during the final overs. As a wicketkeeper, her agility and sharpness behind the stumps are assets to the team.
- Sneh Rana – All-rounder
Sneh’s off-spin bowling and handy lower-order batting add depth to both departments. Her experience and calm demeanour under pressure are invaluable in tight situations.
- Amanjot Kaur – All-rounder
Amanjot offers medium-pace bowling and can contribute with the bat. Her versatility allows the team to adapt to various match scenarios, providing flexibility in the lineup.
- Arundhati Reddy – Fast bowler
As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, Arundhati brings pace and aggression to the bowling attack. Her ability to swing the ball and bowl at the death makes her a crucial component.
- Kashvee Gautam – Fast bowler
An emerging talent, Kashvee’s right-arm medium-fast bowling adds freshness to the pace department. Her domestic performances have shown promise, and this series could be her platform to shine.
- Shuchi Upadhyay – Spinner
Shuchi Upadhyay, a promising left-arm spinner, brings variety to the bowling attack. Her ability to extract turn and maintain tight lines can be instrumental in the middle overs, especially on subcontinental pitches.
