WCWC 2025: SL-W vs NZ-W Match Prediction, Preview, Playing 11, Pitch and Weather Report

SL-W vs NZ-W Match Preview – The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is in full swing, and the 15th match pits hosts Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) against New Zealand Women (NZ-W) in what promises to be an intriguing contest. Sri Lanka, playing on home soil, will look to leverage familiar conditions, while New Zealand aims to build on their strong start in the tournament. This clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo could have significant implications for both teams’ progression. Below, we break down the key aspects of the match, including a preview, predicted lineups, pitch analysis, weather forecast, and our prediction.

SL-W vs NZ-W Match Details

SL-W vs NZ-W Match Preview

Sri Lanka Women enter this match under pressure after a mixed run in the tournament so far. They suffered a convincing defeat against England Women in an earlier game, where they were bowled out for 164 chasing 253. However, the team showed promise in the lead-up, hosting a tri-series in April 2025 against India and Australia, where they competed well but finished without a title. Captain Chamari Atapattu remains the linchpin, known for her explosive batting and handy off-spin. The side has depth in spin bowling, which could suit the conditions, but their batting has been inconsistent against top-quality attacks.

New Zealand Women, on the other hand, have hit the ground running in the World Cup. They secured a comprehensive victory over Bangladesh Women, registering a big win to open their account. Led by the experienced Sophie Devine, the White Ferns boast a balanced squad with all-round firepower from Amelia Kerr and proven performers like Suzie Bates. Their recent form includes solid performances in bilateral series, and they appear well-prepared for the subcontinental conditions. New Zealand’s pace attack, spearheaded by Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr, could exploit any early moisture, while their spin options add versatility.

Head-to-head records heavily favor New Zealand. In 16 ODIs between the two sides, NZ-W have won 13, SL-W have claimed 2 victories, with 1 no-result. Sri Lanka’s last win over New Zealand came in a rare upset, but the Kiwis have dominated historically, including comprehensive wins in recent encounters.

SL-W vs NZ-W Squads

Sri Lanka Women Squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Chamari Atapattu (C), Hasini Perera, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Sugandika Kumari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Vishmi Rajapaksha, Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Malki Madara, Dewmi Vihanga, Piyumi Wathsala

New Zealand Women Squad: Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Jess Kerr, Bree Illing, Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer, Isabella Gaze, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James.

SL-W vs NZ-W Predicted Playing 11

Sri Lanka Women Predicted11: Vishmi Rajapaksha, Chamari Atapattu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani (WK), Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya

New Zealand Women Predicted11: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (WK), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson.

Devine and Kerr form the core, with Bates offering experience at the top. The pace trio of Tahuhu, Kerr, and Mair could be key, supported by Carson’s spin.

These predictions are based on recent selections and player form, with no major injuries reported in the squads.

SL-W vs NZ-W Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is known for its batter-friendly surfaces, often leading to high-scoring games. However, it offers a balanced contest, with early assistance for pacers due to swing and bounce, especially under cloudy skies. As the match progresses, the pitch slows down, bringing spinners into play. In women’s ODIs at this venue, scores around 250-280 are competitive when batting first, but chasing can be tricky if dew factors in during the second innings. The average first-innings score in recent matches hovers around medium to high, with both pacers and spinners finding help. Teams winning the toss might opt to bat first to set a target, given the potential for the pitch to deteriorate slightly.

SL-W vs NZ-W Weather Report

The forecast for October 14, 2025, in Colombo indicates humid and cloudy conditions, with a high chance of rain interrupting play. Daytime temperatures will hover around 82°F (28°C), dropping to a low of 77°F (25°C) in the evening, with humidity levels at approximately 77%. Winds from the SSE at 5-10 mph are expected, and there’s a 70% chance of showers, particularly in the early part of the day. The match could see rain delays, potentially leading to a reduced-overs affair under the DLS method. Overall, the humid weather might assist swing bowlers early on.

SL-W vs NZ-W Match Prediction

New Zealand Women enter as clear favorites, given their superior head-to-head record, recent form, and all-round depth. Sri Lanka’s home advantage and spin arsenal could pose a challenge, especially if the pitch turns, but NZ-W’s experience in big tournaments should see them through. Expect a competitive game, but we predict New Zealand to win by 40-60 runs or 5-7 wickets, assuming a full match.

Key players to watch: Amelia Kerr for NZ-W and Chamari Atapattu for SL-W.

This encounter could be a turning point for both sides in the World Cup. Tune in to JioHotstar for live action!