Can Chamari Athapaththu script another upset against England?

It’s been more than a decade since Sri Lanka pulled off one of their biggest upsets in women’s cricket, beating England in the 2013 World Cup at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. Leading the charge that day was a young Chamari Athapaththu, whose fearless half-century set the tone for a famous win.

12 years later, the stage is set again. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, co-hosted by Sri Lanka for the first time, brings the two sides face-to-face in contrasting moods. While England, the four-time champions, have looked unstoppable in their opening games, Sri Lanka are still searching for their first win of the tournament.

For the hosts, much will depend on their captain and star opener Chamari Athapaththu, who continues to carry the team’s hopes with bat in hand. The contest could well hinge on how England’s batters tackle Sri Lanka’s spinners, and whether Athapaththu can once again rise to the occasion and rewrite history.

Head-to-Head
Sri Lanka and England have played 20 ODIs against each other, of which Sri Lanka have won one and England have won 17. At the World Cups, England dominate the head-to-head battle 5-1.

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya

England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Chamari Athapaththu: The captain and most experienced batter of Sri Lanka will be in the spotlight. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed could make all the difference.

Inoka Ranaweera: Fresh from a four-wicket haul against India, the crafty left-arm spinner of Sri Lanka can dangle a carrot and lure batters into her spin web.

Heather Knight: The former England captain pulled off a memorable rescue against Bangladesh, showcasing her calm under pressure and match-winning instincts.

Sophie Ecclestone: Towering at 6 feet and ranked the world’s number one ODI bowler, the left-arm spinner from England is a constant threat with the ball.

Match details
Date: October 11, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar