Women’s World Cup 2025: The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is heating up — and as Sri Lanka face Bangladesh in the 21st match of the tournament at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, both teams are desperate for a win to stay alive in the race for the semi-finals. Under the bright Mumbai sunshine, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and chose to bat first, signaling her team’s intent to take control of the game right from the start.
A Fresh Start Under Mumbai’s Sunshine
After battling frustrating weather conditions in rain-hit Colombo, the Sri Lankan team is finally getting a full day’s cricket — and that alone has lifted their spirits. Captain Chamari Athapaththu looked confident at the toss, saying,
“We decide to bat first. I am very confident in my batting unit. The surface looks good. It’s time to play some good cricket.”
Sri Lanka made one change to their lineup, bringing in Udeshika Prabodhani in place of Piumi Wathsala. Coach Rumesh Ratnayake echoed Athapaththu’s optimism, praising the pitch and expressing relief that his team could finally play uninterrupted cricket after days of rain back home.
“It looks a nice Mumbai wicket… good bounce, true surface — perfect for a full game,” Ratnayake said during the pre-match conference.
Bangladesh’s Determined Fight for a Second Win
Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Joty, have shown flashes of brilliance in this tournament but have struggled to finish strong. With just one win from five matches, the Tigresses need victory today to keep their semi-final hopes alive. Their only triumph came against Pakistan earlier in the campaign, but since then, close defeats to England and South Africa have hurt their momentum.
Captain Nigar Sultana chose to bowl first, trusting her side’s bowling attack, which has been consistent throughout the tournament.
“Our bowling has been consistent and versatile. We have spinners and seamers who can adapt to conditions. Hopefully, we can restrict them to a chaseable total,” Joty said at the toss.
Bangladesh made two key changes — Nahida Akter and Marufa Akter came into the playing XI, replacing Fahima Khatun and Fariha Trisna. The team’s focus will be on handling middle-overs batting, an area where they’ve struggled to accelerate scoring.
A Historic Day for Navi Mumbai
This match marks a special occasion for the DY Patil Sports Academy, as it hosts its first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup match. The energy around the ground is electric, with fans hoping for a post-Diwali cricketing treat.
After weeks of weather disruptions in Colombo and Visakhapatnam, both sides are eager for a full 50-over contest — something that has been rare in this rain-marred World Cup edition.
Coach Ratnayake expressed joy over the clear skies:
“It’s not just about relief, it’s about playing proper cricket again. Full-day cricket is what every player, coach, and fan wants.”
Sri Lanka’s Search for Redemption
Sri Lanka’s campaign hasn’t gone as planned. They are still searching for their first win, having lost three out of five matches, with two others washed out due to rain. Their batting, led by Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Madavi, will need to click if they are to post a competitive total against Bangladesh’s disciplined attack.
The inclusion of experienced seamer Udeshika Prabodhani could also strengthen their bowling department, especially in the powerplay overs. For Sri Lanka, this game isn’t just about points — it’s about pride and proving their potential on a big stage.
Bangladesh Eye Revival After Heavy Loss
Bangladesh enter this clash after a heavy 10-wicket defeat against Australia in Visakhapatnam. Despite that setback, they remain upbeat. With all-rounder Marufa Akter returning to full fitness, the team’s bowling unit looks sharper.
Head coach and senior players believe that if Bangladesh can win their last two league matches, they still stand a solid chance of making the semi-finals. Their best performer so far, Sobhana Mostary, has scored 161 runs in five matches — but she’ll be looking to improve her strike rate and guide the side to a much-needed victory.
Playing XIs
Sri Lanka Women: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Madavi Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani.
Bangladesh Women: Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Nishita Akter Nishi, Marufa Akter.
Battle for Survival – Both Teams Hungry for Redemption
This match is more than just a league encounter — it’s about pride, perseverance, and staying alive in the World Cup race. For Chamari Athapaththu’s Sri Lanka, it’s a chance to finally open their account. For Nigar Sultana’s Bangladesh, it’s an opportunity to bounce back and keep their semi-final dream alive.
With sunshine, a fresh pitch, and both teams hungry for a win, fans can expect an exciting contest at DY Patil Stadium. Whoever holds their nerve better in key moments will walk away with more than just two points — they’ll reclaim confidence and momentum in this crucial World Cup journey.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and match updates from October 20, 2025. Playing conditions, lineups, and quotes are accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change. Readers are advised to follow official ICC and team pages for live updates and final results.