News Jun 10, 2026

Pakistan women set to tour Sri Lanka for white-ball games in July

An Important Fixture in the Women’s Cricket Calendar

International cricket is set to return to the picturesque venues of Sri Lanka as the Pakistan women set to tour Sri Lanka for white-ball games in July. This series represents a pivotal moment for both nations as they look to assert their dominance in the white-ball format following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in England.

The Battleground in Hambantota

All matches throughout the duration of this tour are scheduled to be hosted at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. Known for its expansive outfield and unique conditions, this venue will provide a stern test for both the batting and bowling units of the respective teams. Fans are eagerly anticipating high-intensity encounters as these two sub-continental rivals face off.

Strategic Importance of the ODI Series

The three-match ODI series carries significant weight as it forms an integral part of the ongoing ICC Women’s Championship 2025-29 cycle. The points accumulated during these fixtures are vital for qualification pathways, making every run and every wicket a matter of strategic necessity.

Currently, the points table reflects the competitive nature of this tournament:

Pakistan: Occupying the second spot, Pakistan has demonstrated strong form with four wins in their six encounters to date. They currently hold a robust net run rate of 1.928.
Sri Lanka: Sitting closely behind in third place, Sri Lanka has also secured four wins from six games. Their net run rate stands at 0.226, setting the stage for a dramatic shift in rankings depending on the outcome of this series.

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Full Schedule of the Series

The tour is meticulously planned to provide a balanced diet of both formats. The 50-over contests will kick off the proceedings before the teams transition into the fast-paced T20 format.

ODI Series Schedule:

First ODI: July 23
Second ODI: July 25
Third ODI: July 28

T20I Series Schedule:

First T20I: July 31
Second T20I: August 2
Third T20I: August 4

Post-World Cup Momentum

This tour serves as the first major international assignment for both squads following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in England, which wraps up on July 5. The transition from the English conditions to the tropical climate of Sri Lanka will require quick adaptation. Coaches and support staff will be keen to see how their players handle the quick turnaround, particularly regarding fatigue management and tactical adjustments.

For Pakistan, maintaining their position in the top tier of the ICC Women’s Championship is the primary objective. For Sri Lanka, playing on home soil presents the perfect opportunity to climb the ladder and overtake their visitors in the standings. As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Hambantota, the upcoming series promises to be a showcase of talent, determination, and tactical brilliance in the women’s game. Whether it is the classic craft of the ODI format or the explosive nature of T20 cricket, there is no doubt that this series will be a defining chapter in the 2025 cricket season.

Julian Anand

Julian Anand is a senior cricket writer at ESPNcricinfo, known for his lyrical prose and deep-dive longform features on the sport’s unsung heroes. An alumnus of St. Stephen's College, he began his career covering Delhi’s club and university circuits before joining the global cricket desk. Julian has a rare ability to humanise the game—whether chronicling a young pacer from the Maidan or revisiting a forgotten Test classic. He is especially respected for his technical breakdowns of fast bowling and his archival research into cricket history. His work has been recognised with the SJA British Sports Journalism Award and multiple internal honours at Cricinfo. When not at the press box, Julian mentors young sports writers and plays occasional league cricket as a medium-pacer.