The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues to deliver high-quality cricket as Sri Lanka Women (SL W) prepare to take on New Zealand Women (NZ W) in what promises to be an intriguing contest. While New Zealand will aim to strengthen their campaign, Sri Lanka will look to make a statement against one of the most experienced sides in women’s cricket.
Over the years, the White Ferns have dominated this rivalry, winning the majority of their encounters. However, with Sri Lanka showing steady improvement in recent seasons, the contest could be more competitive this time around. Here’s a complete look at the SL W vs NZ W head-to-head records, World Cup history, recent matches, and top players ahead of this encounter.
Sri Lanka Women Team Overview
Sri Lanka Women, led by the ever-dependable Chamari Athapaththu, have been working hard to find consistency on the global stage. Athapaththu’s aggressive batting at the top and her experience against top-tier teams make her the biggest asset for Sri Lanka.
In addition to their captain, Harshitha Samarawickrama continues to anchor the middle order, while Inoka Ranaweera’s control with left-arm spin gives the team much-needed balance. To challenge New Zealand, Sri Lanka will need early breakthroughs and a strong showing from their senior players.
New Zealand Women Team Overview
New Zealand Women, captained by Sophie Devine, have a solid blend of power hitters and experienced bowlers. Devine herself has been in tremendous form this World Cup, scoring heavily at the top and leading from the front.
With stars like Amelia Kerr, who provides reliability with both bat and ball, and Suzie Bates, one of the most consistent openers in world cricket, the White Ferns have the firepower to dominate opponents. Their recent win over Bangladesh reaffirmed their confidence ahead of this clash.
SL W vs NZ W ODI Head-to-Head
The historical record between the two teams clearly favors New Zealand Women.
| Match Type | Total Matches | Sri Lanka Women Wins | New Zealand Women Wins | Tied | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 16 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 1 |
SL W vs NZ W Women’s World Cup Head-to-Head
The teams have faced each other in multiple Women’s World Cup editions, and the trend has remained the same — New Zealand have dominated every time.
| Year | Tournament | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ICC Women’s World Cup | New Zealand Women | 9 wickets | Hamilton, New Zealand |
| 2017 | ICC Women’s World Cup | New Zealand Women | 8 wickets | Bristol, England |
| 2013 | ICC Women’s World Cup | New Zealand Women | 7 wickets | Mumbai, India |
Recent ODI Match Results – Last 5 Matches
Sri Lanka Women (SL W)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Margin | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 4, 2025 | Australia Women | Lost | by 8 wickets | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 |
| Sep 29, 2025 | Bangladesh Women | Lost | by 7 wickets | ICC Women’s World Cup Warm-up |
| May 7, 2025 | Bangladesh Women | Lost | by 1 run | Sri Lanka Tri-Nation Series |
| May 4, 2025 | India Women | Lost | by 9 wickets | Tri-Nation Series |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Bangladesh Women | Won | by 3 wickets | Bilateral ODI |
Record: 1 Win, 4 Losses
New Zealand Women (NZ W)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Margin | Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 10, 2025 | Bangladesh Women | Won | by 100 runs | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 |
| Oct 6, 2025 | South Africa Women | Lost | by 6 wickets | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 |
| Oct 2, 2025 | Australia Women | Lost | by 7 wickets | ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 |
| Sep 27, 2025 | India Women | Lost | by 5 wickets | Warm-up Match |
| Jul 16, 2025 | England Women | Won | by 3 wickets | Bilateral ODI Series |
Record: 2 Wins, 3 Losses
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka Women
- Chamari Athapaththu: Captain and lead batter; capable of taking the game away with explosive starts.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama: Consistent run-scorer who holds the innings together.
- Inoka Ranaweera: Experienced spinner who can control the middle overs.
New Zealand Women
- Sophie Devine: In red-hot form, scoring over 190 runs in her last two innings.
- Amelia Kerr: Reliable all-rounder; contributes with bat and leg-spin bowling.
- Suzie Bates: Veteran opener with the ability to anchor or accelerate depending on conditions.
The head-to-head record tells a clear story of New Zealand’s dominance over Sri Lanka in ODIs and World Cups. However, with Chamari Athapaththu’s experience and Sri Lanka’s young talent, the islanders will be hoping to turn the tide in 2025.
New Zealand’s superior depth and form make them strong favorites, but Sri Lanka’s unpredictable spirit ensures that no match is ever truly one-sided. Expect another exciting battle in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
