SL-W vs SA-W Match Prediction, Preview, Playing 11, Pitch and Weather Report

SL-W vs SA-W Match Preview – The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has been a thrilling tournament so far, with teams battling for supremacy in the league stage to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. On October 17, 2025, hosts Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) will face off against South Africa Women (SA-W) in what promises to be an exciting clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This match is crucial for both sides, as Sri Lanka looks to leverage home advantage and bounce back from a recent washout, while South Africa aims to build on their impressive upset victory over India. With the points table heating up, a win here could significantly boost either team’s standings.

SL-W vs SA-W Match Details

This encounter is part of the league stage, where every point matters. Currently, in the points table, South Africa sits in third place with 3 wins from 4 matches and 6 points, boasting a net run rate of -0.618. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has had a mixed run, with their recent match against New Zealand abandoned due to rain, earning them a shared point and placing them lower in the standings.

SL-W vs SA-W Team Preview

Sri Lanka Women (SL-W)

Sri Lanka enters this match as the home team, buoyed by the support of local fans. Their recent form in 2025 has shown promise, particularly in the tri-series earlier this year where they competed strongly against India and South Africa, though they lost the final to India. In the World Cup, they posted a competitive 258-6 against New Zealand before rain intervened. Captain Chamari Athapaththu remains the linchpin, known for her explosive batting and handy off-spin. Key players like Harshitha Samarawickrama, who scored 203 runs in the tri-series, and spinners Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari will be vital on a spin-friendly pitch. However, consistency has been an issue, and they’ll need to capitalize on home conditions to challenge a strong South African side.

South Africa Women (SA-W)

South Africa has been one of the standout teams in the tournament, highlighted by their dramatic three-wicket victory over India, thanks to Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 off 54 balls. Their recent form in 2025 includes a solid tour of the West Indies, where they secured wins in ODIs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt leads from the front with consistent batting, amassing 255 runs in recent matches, while all-rounder Marizanne Kapp provides balance with both bat and ball. The team’s depth, including players like Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba, makes them formidable. After an early setback, they’ve bounced back strongly and are eyeing a top-four finish.

SL-W vs SA-W Squads

Sri Lanka Women Squad

• Udeshika Prabodhani
• Chamari Athapaththu (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

South Africa Women Squad

• Laura Wolvaardt (C)
• Sune Luus
• Marizanne Kapp
• Masabata Klaas
• Tumi Sekhukhune
• Nadine de Klerk
• Tazmin Brits
• Nondumiso Shangase
• Sinalo Jafta
• Anneke Bosch
• Ayabonga Khaka
• Nonkululeko Mlaba
• Chloe Tryon
• Annerie Dercksen
• Karabo Meso

SL-W vs SA-W Probable Playing 11

Sri Lanka Women Probable XI

1. Vishmi Rajapaksha
2. Chamari Athapaththu (C)
3. Harshitha Samarawickrama
4. Nilakshi de Silva
5. Kavisha Dilhari
6. Hasini Perera
7. Anushka Sanjeewani (WK)
8. Sugandika Kumari
9. Inoka Ranaweera
10. Udeshika Prabodhani
11. Achini Kulasuriya

This lineup emphasizes spin options, given the expected pitch conditions, with Athapaththu leading the charge.

South Africa Women Probable XI

1. Laura Wolvaardt (C)
2. Tazmin Brits
3. Anneke Bosch
4. Sune Luus
5. Marizanne Kapp
6. Nadine de Klerk
7. Chloe Tryon
8. Sinalo Jafta (WK)
9. Ayabonga Khaka
10. Nonkululeko Mlaba
11. Masabata Klaas

South Africa’s XI features a strong all-round core, with pace and spin balance to adapt to the surface.

SL-W vs SA-W Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is known for being a spinner’s paradise, especially in women’s ODIs, where slow bowlers have historically enjoyed significant assistance as the match progresses. It offers a quality batting surface early on, allowing teams to post competitive totals, but tends to slow down and favor spinners in the latter stages. In recent World Cup matches here, scores around 250-270 have been defendable, with spinners playing a key role. Teams winning the toss might opt to bat first to set a target.

SL-W vs SA-W Weather Report

Colombo’s weather on October 17, 2025, is expected to be warm with daytime temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and nighttime lows near 25°C (77°F). However, forecasts indicate a high chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon and evening, which could interrupt play. Periods of rain are predicted early, with an 80% chance of precipitation, potentially leading to a shortened match or even a washout similar to Sri Lanka’s recent game. Humidity will be high at around 88%, adding to the challenge for players.

SL-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head Record

In women’s ODIs, South Africa holds a dominant edge over Sri Lanka, having won 16 out of 25 encounters, while Sri Lanka has secured 6 victories, with 3 matches ending in no result. South Africa’s superior record includes convincing wins in recent years, though Sri Lanka has shown fight, winning 5 of the last 10 meetings. This historical advantage gives SA-W a psychological boost.

SL-W vs SA-W Match Prediction

South Africa Women enter as favorites, given their stronger head-to-head record, recent form, and depth in batting and bowling. Their upset win over India demonstrates resilience under pressure, and players like de Klerk and Kapp could turn the game. Sri Lanka, however, benefits from home conditions and a spin-heavy attack that suits the pitch. If rain plays a role, it could level the playing field. Overall, expect South Africa to edge out a victory by 20-30 runs or 4-5 wickets, assuming a full match.

Prediction: SA-W to win.