Sri Lanka look for strong start in ODI opener

The first One Day International (ODI) match between New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women will be played today at the McLean Park in Napier.
New Zealand, led by Suzie Bates in the absence of Sophie Devine due to injury, will look to kick off their 2025 campaign on a high after suffering a 2-0 defeat in their ODI series against Australia last December.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Atapattu, will seek revenge against the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 champions, New Zealand, who handed them an eight-wicket loss in their last group-stage match.
The Lankans finished the tournament winless and are eager to start the year with a strong performance. This will be Sri Lanka’s first international outing of 2025.
 (Agencies)

Squads:
New Zealand Women Squad: Suzie Bates (captain), Isabella Gaze (w/k), Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Hayley Jensen, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Hannah Rowe and Polly Inglis.
Sri Lanka Women Squad: Chamari Atapattu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Anushka Sanjeewani (w/k), Nilakshi de Silva, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Kaushani Nuthyangana and Chethana Vimukthi.