SL-W vs SA-W: Here’s why Sri Lanka players wear black armbands against South Africa in Women’s World Cup 2025 match

18th match of 2025 Women’s World Cup between Women of Sri Lanka And Women of South Africa is underway at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. Amid the high stakes of this day/night encounter, Sri Lanka’s players wear black armbands, a poignant symbol that has caught the attention of cricket fans around the world.

Why did Sri Lanka wear black armbands against South Africa?

The Sri Lanka women’s cricket team pays tribute to a beloved figure in cricket history, the late Jayananda Warnaweera. Warnaweera, a former Sri Lankan cricketer and respected cricket administrator, died recently at the age of 64. Known for his reliable right arm, Warnaweera represented Sri Lanka in 10 Test matches and six One-Day Internationals between 1986 and 1994.

After his retirement, he notably served as curator of the Galle International Stadium, one of the island nation’s iconic cricket venues. His contributions to Sri Lankan cricket have been widely celebrated and the national team wears black armbands as a mark of respect and remembrance during the World Cup match. Sri Lanka Cricket’s official social media outlets acknowledged his passing with deepest condolences, honoring his lasting legacy in Sri Lankan cricket.​

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Jayananda Warnaweera has died aged 64. 🕊️
A respected figure in Sri Lankan cricket history.
May he rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/E0lHi6aD5b

– Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 16, 2025

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Sri Lanka’s shaky start against a tough, disciplined bowling line-up

Sri Lanka’s innings against South Africa was a grueling one. Having opted to strike first, the hosts struggled to build momentum, facing early setbacks in difficult conditions. Vishmi Gunaratne had to retire, injured early, while Chamari Athapatthuthe captain, was dismissed in weight by Tata Saasts-Klaas. Sri Lanka’s score stood at 46 for 2 after 12 overs, with a run rate of 3.83. Hasini Perera And Harshitha Samarawickrama continue to stabilize the ship with the bat, but the sleeves remain fragile. The South African bowling attack, led by Klaas and Marizanne Kappwas disciplined and efficient, maintaining pressure with tight lines and lengths.

To complicate matters further, the match was interrupted several times due to persistent rain, a recurring challenge in Colombo this World Cup season. The weather forecast called for scattered showers with a high chance of rain, delaying the start and impacting the pace of the match. Earlier in the tournament, Colombo witnessed several washouts and rain delays, causing frustration among players and fans. The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium showed some help for the bowlers, with some spin for the spinners as the innings progressed, requiring careful shot selection from the Sri Lanka batters.​

South Africa enter this match in relatively strong form, bouncing back well from an opening defeat. Having won their last three matches, they look to maintain their dominance against the hosts who are desperate to secure their first win of the tournament. With the weather causing interruptions and Sri Lanka struggling for stability, this encounter promises tension and tactical battles as the hosts strive to honor their former cricketing heroes and put up a competitive fight against the mighty South African outfit.

Also READ: Fans go gaga as clinical Australia beat Bangladesh by 10 wickets to qualify for 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final

This article was first published on WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.