The 15th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 will feature Sri Lanka Women taking on New Zealand Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday. This fixture holds significant importance for both sides as they aim to solidify their positions in the points table midway through the group stage.

Sri Lanka aim to build home momentum

Sri Lanka Women, led by Chamari Athapaththu, have shown glimpses of promise in this tournament but need greater consistency. Athapaththu’s explosive starts at the top will once again be vital, while Harshitha Samarawickrama and Nilakshi de Silva are key to anchoring the middle order. The presence of experienced spinners like Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari could prove crucial on the turning surfaces of Colombo. Home advantage and familiarity with conditions may give the islanders confidence to challenge stronger sides like New Zealand.

However, the batting depth remains a concern. Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne will look to provide support to Athapaththu, while wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani’s role in building partnerships through the middle overs could determine Sri Lanka’s competitiveness.

New Zealand eye a strong comeback

New Zealand Women, under Sophie Devine’s captaincy, have the firepower to dominate if their top order clicks. With Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr adding solidity and creativity, the White Ferns boast a balanced lineup. Devine’s all-round contributions combined with Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu’s pace threat are expected to test the Sri Lankan batters.

New Zealand’s fielding standards and bowling versatility give them an edge. The inclusion of young talents like Georgia Plimmer and Eden Carson adds depth, with Kerr’s spin expected to play a big role on the subcontinental surface. Their focus will be on producing a disciplined bowling display and converting starts into match-winning totals.

SL-W vs NZ-W, Women’s World Cup 2025: Match Details

• Date and Time: October 14; 03:00 pm IST/ 09:30 am GMT
• Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

SL-W vs NZ-W, Head-to-Head Record:

Matches Played: 16 | Sri Lanka won: 13 | New Zealand won: 2 | No results: 1

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report:

The R. Premadasa surface generally assists spinners as the game progresses. Batting first could be an ideal option given the afternoon start and the possibility of slower conditions under lights. Scores around 240–260 might be competitive. With Colombo’s humid weather, dew could come into play later in the evening. Teams winning the toss would definitely want to bowl first.

Squads:

New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Hannah Rowe, Bree Illing

Sri Lanka Women: Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera, Achini Kulasuriya, Piumi Wathsala Badalge, Malki Madara, Imesha Dulani

Also WATCH: Rosemary Mair pulls off a stunning diving catch as Nigar Sultana’s poor run continues in Women’s World Cup 2025

SL-W vs NZ-W, Women’s World Cup 2025: Today’s Match Prediction

Case 1:

• New Zealand Women wins the toss and bowls first
• Sri Lanka Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
• Sri Lanka Women’s total score: 210-220

Case 2:

• Sri Lanka Women wins the toss and bowls first
• New Zealand Women’s powerplay score: 60-70
• New Zealand Women’s total score: 300-310

Match result: New Zealand to win the game.

Also WATCH: Rabeya Khan traps Georgia Plimmer as New Zealand loses key opener against Bangladesh in Women’s World Cup 2025 game

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.