Hambantota: Sri Lanka hosts Pakistan for crucial O...

By Priya Nair — 25 July 2026 — 3 min read

Sri Lanka and Pakistan begin ODI series

Sri Lanka is hosting Pakistan for a three-match ODI series, which commenced on Thursday, July 23, at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. The series holds significant importance as all three matches contribute to the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle, offering valuable qualification points for both teams as they aim for the next World Cup. The series is scheduled to conclude at the same venue on Tuesday, July 28.

The ODIs mark the initial phase of a broader tour, which will be followed by three T20Is on July 31, August 2, and August 4, also taking place in Hambantota. The first ODI began at 9:30 AM PKT.

Squads and team preparations

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15-member squad, largely maintaining the group that previously defeated Bangladesh in an ODI series with a 2-1 victory. Chamari Athapaththu continues to lead the squad as captain. Notable returns to the team include opening batter Vishmi Gunaratne and wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani, both of whom missed the previous series against Bangladesh. Experienced left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari and wicketkeeper Kaushani Nuthyangana were not included in the squad.

Pakistan, currently ranked eighth globally, is captained by Fatima Sana for the ODI series. Fatima Sana was recognised in the Team of the Tournament at the recent T20 World Cup, where she took 11 wickets and scored 85 runs. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed her as the ODI captain, with Maham Anees and Saira Jabeen being the two uncapped players in the squad. Muneeba Ali is set to take over as captain for the subsequent T20I leg of the tour, as Fatima Sana will travel to England to participate in The Hundred, becoming the first Pakistani woman to do so.

Sri Lanka ODI squad: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi, Inoka Ranaweera, Nimasha Meepage, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Kawya Kavindi.

Pakistan ODI squad: Fatima Sana (c), Ayesha Zafar, Gull Feroza, Maham Anees, Momina Riasat, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Sadaf Shamas, Saira Jabeen, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Umm-e-Hani, Waheeda Akhter.

Championship implications and viewing details

Pakistan has had a strong beginning to the ICC Women’s Championship, currently holding the second position in the standings following a recent series sweep against Zimbabwe in Karachi in May. Fatima Sana has urged her team to maintain their winning momentum and play attacking cricket against Sri Lanka, emphasising the importance of handling pressure situations and remaining positive in the local Hambantota conditions.

For viewers in India, the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan women’s ODI series can be live-streamed on FanCode. While the matches are available on Dialog Television via ThePapare 2 (Channel 63) and ThePapare 2 HD (Channel 127) in Sri Lanka, and on A Sports HD in Pakistan, there is no linear television channel in India broadcasting the matches.