Snehasis Mukherjee in Guwahati
Sri Lanka enter the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as underdogs. It’s a team that can challenge the top sides but rarely crosses the line. Their superstar and captain, Chamari Athapaththu, is 35, and this is likely her last ODI World Cup.
After years of service to Sri Lankan cricket, she deserves a strong send-off. The last time Sri Lanka reached as far as the quarterfinals was in 1997. Now, as hosts of the World Cup for the first time, they will look to better that performance.
Strengths
Since the 2022 ODI World Cup, Athapaththu has scored 1,252 runs in 31 innings, averaging 46.37, with four centuries and five fifties. She is the third-highest run-scorer among captains in this period.
More importantly, in Sri Lanka’s 11 ODI wins since that tournament, Athapaththu has contributed 815 runs in 11 innings at an average of 101.87 and a strike rate of 118.80, including two fifties and four centuries.
While she remains the centerpiece, batters like Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Nilakshika Silva have stepped up in recent times.
Their spin bowling unit is another strength, featuring Athapaththu herself, Dewmi Vihanga, Inoka Ranaweera, and Sugandika Dasanayaka. In those 11 wins, Athapaththu picked up 14 wickets, while Sugandika took 11.
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Chasing has also been a positive trend. Eight of those 11 wins came while batting second. In the tri-series earlier this year, they even defeated India and South Africa, both while chasing.
Weaknesses
Over-reliance on Athapaththu is their biggest weakness. Whether with bat or ball, she carries the team. Against stronger opponents, Sri Lanka often struggle. Out of their 11 wins, four came against West Indies (3) and Ireland (1) — sides not featuring in this World Cup.
Opportunities
Sri Lanka will play five of their seven group matches in Colombo, where home conditions and their spin resources could play a massive role. This is their best chance to push for a knockout berth.
Threats
The squad’s lack of experience remains a threat. Athapaththu herself will be under pressure to deliver in crunch moments. If she fails to lift her game under pressure, her dismissal could trigger collapses, leaving Sri Lanka vulnerable.
Predicted Playing XI for WC
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunarathne, Piumi Wathsala, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Inoka Ranaweera.
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