In the past eight ICC T20 World Cup editions, the Sri Lanka Women’s team has never progressed beyond the group stage. However, this time, Chamari Athapaththu and her squad are entering the tournament with significantly more confidence, especially after their recent Asia Cup triumph.
Their two-match series against Ireland recently ended in a 1-1 draw, but the team rotated players to give different members a chance. Only time will tell if this campaign will be a historic one for them. Here is a SWOT analysis of the team ahead of the mega event.
Strengths
Chamari Athapaththu – the all-round leader
The Sri Lanka skipper has been phenomenal with both bat and ball, consistently leading the team from the front. In recent times, other players have also stepped up, aiding her in guiding the team to a prestigious Asia Cup victory a few months ago, defeating the favourites, India, in the final.
In 2024, Sri Lanka have won 15 out of 19 matches, including the WT20 Qualifier final, where they defeated Scotland in Abu Dhabi. Athapaththu played a huge role as a leader during this period. Over the past two years, she has scored the most runs for her country in this format, amassing 1,247 runs in 41 innings at an average of 33.70 and a strike rate of 126.47.
With the ball, she has taken 25 wickets in 32 innings. In the recent Asia Cup, she scored 304 runs in 5 innings, averaging 101.33 with a strike rate of 146.85. Athapaththu has also batted in 28 WT20 World Cup innings, scoring 666 runs at an average of 23.78 and a strike rate of 105.54. Additionally, she has claimed eight wickets in 13 innings.
Strong spin department
Regarding the highest wicket-takers list for Sri Lanka in T20Is over the last two years, the top three are all spinners. What sets this spin unit apart is the variety of spinners they possess.
At the top is Kavisha Dilhari, a right-arm off-break and leg-break bowler, with 41 wickets in 40 innings at an economy of 6.57. In second place is slow left-arm orthodox bowler Inoka Ranaweera, who has taken 36 wickets in 28 innings at an economy of 5.76. Right-arm off-break bowler Inoshi Priyadharshani holds the third spot with 32 wickets in 25 innings at an economy of 5.54.
In UAE conditions, these three spinners will be crucial to Sri Lanka’s success. The pitches are expected to favour spin, which could help them dismantle opponents’ batting line-ups.
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🇱🇰 Sri Lanka has won 15 of the 19 T20I matches in the last one year. Its no longer a team which is over dependent on Chamari Athapaththu.
Here’s Team RevSportz with the SWOT analysis of the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team ahead of the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup!
From their key… pic.twitter.com/qmXkOWz2OA
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) September 28, 2024
Weaknesses
The Pacers not getting wickets
Compared to their top spinners, the Pacers have struggled a bit. However, all eyes will be on Udeshika Prabodhani and Achini Kulasuriya. In the last two years of T20Is, Prabodhani has taken 29 wickets in 24 innings at an economy rate of 6.00, while Kulasuriya has managed 13 wickets in 23 innings at an economy of 6.55.
It is no secret that with the new white ball, teams expect their pacers to be more effective, as early wickets can put the opposition under pressure. Therefore, both Prabodhani and Kulasuriya will aim to improve their numbers in the upcoming event.
Opportunities
To be crowned World Champions
Sri Lanka earned their ticket to the World Cup by winning the WT20 Qualifier tournament. They then surprised everyone with their impressive performance in the Asia Cup, asserting their dominance in Asia. Now, with this group of players, they have the opportunity to showcase their capabilities on the world stage against major teams like Australia, England, and others. A strong result could mark a new dawn for Sri Lankan cricket and serve as a significant motivational boost for the team.
Threats
Handling pressure and fielding
The lack of support from the pacers is a concern for Sri Lankan fans ahead of the World Cup. Fielding is another area where they will look to make improvements. However, a new challenge has emerged: heightened expectations.
Before their Asia Cup triumph, fans did not have high hopes for the team. But after the exciting brand of cricket they have played in recent months, fans will now expect them to carry that momentum into the World Cup and perhaps even dream of seeing them lift their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
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