In match number 15 of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
, New Zealand Women are taking on Sri Lanka Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Placed fifth in the points table with one win and two defeats so far in the tournament, the Sophie Devine-led side will be coming out with confidence as they are coming off a 100-run win over Bangladesh Women. However, Sri Lanka side are yet to register a win in the tournament.As the two skippers walked out for toss, the co-hosts returned victorious and elected to bat first. The decision from Chamari Athapaththu came seeing the Lankans struggle in chase. Moreover, she also confirmed as many as two changes in their XI which saw a pacer and spinner return.
Bree Illing replaces Lea Tahuhu in NZ-W XI
When asked about her decision after being
put to bowl first, Sophie Devine said, “We don't mind bowling first. The bowling attack was fantastic against Bangladesh. It's going to be similar here, in slightly different conditions potentially, but we're really pleased that we finally got a win on the board, we know today is a new challenge.” The veteran White Ferns all-rounder further confirmed a change in the lineup adding it to be a tactical move.
“Just one change - Illing comes in for Tahuhu. Just think the match-up with Illing against Chamari is obviously a key one, some of the stats suggest that she goes okay, so we're really excited to be able to bring in Bree again,” she explained.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Playing XI
New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing, Eden Carson
Sri Lanka Women: Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Piumi Wathsala Badalge, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera
