Trisha Ghosal in Guwahati
On the eve of the ICC Women’s World Cup opener in Guwahati, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was calm yet assertive. Facing defending champions India in front of a packed crowd could be intimidating for most sides, but the Sri Lankan leader was quick to remind everyone that pressure sits heavier on the hosts’ shoulders.
More Pressure on India
Athapaththu did not shy away from the challenge of facing India first up.
“India are favourites in this World Cup because they know the conditions, and they have the crowd support,” Athapaththu said in the press conference on the eve of the match. “But I feel India will have a little more pressure than us in the opening game. If we play our best cricket, the result can go our way.” The skipper added that her side had been playing strong cricket over the past year and were keen to execute their plans at the right time.
Home advantage – a double-edged sword
While acknowledging the benefit of hosting, Athapaththu was realistic about its limits. “Five of our games are at home in Sri Lanka, so we know the conditions. But compared to seven or eight years back, foreign teams are far more familiar with the subcontinent now because of WPL and training camps in India. Still, playing in front of our home crowd will be a big boost.”
A first taste of co-hosting
For Athapaththu personally, the tournament carries special significance. “It’s a privilege for Sri Lanka to co-host. We have never hosted an ODI World Cup before. As captain, I feel it’s a good opportunity. If we can make the semi-finals, that will be really good, and then we can think about the finals.”
Preparation despite “off-season”
Sri Lanka last played internationals in the home series against India, but Athapaththu insisted preparations had been thorough. “After the India series, we didn’t play internationals, but we had a good domestic season and games against U-17 and U-19 boys’ teams. The youngsters and seniors are doing well. I have a very good young team with a few seniors, so I hope we can play our best cricket.”
Not just about Chamari anymore
For years, Sri Lankan cricket was synonymous with one name: Athapaththu. But the skipper was eager to share the spotlight. “In the past, everything was on my shoulders. But not anymore—we have good youngsters now. In the Asia Cup, I did my job, but the youngsters stepped up, and that’s why we made the finals. Kavisha Dilhari, Harshitha (Samarawickrama), Vishmi Gunaratne, and Malti Madara are all doing well. They don’t take much pressure, and I believe they can make history.”
Wanting an Asian champion
The Sri Lankan captain made her allegiances clear when asked about expectations for the World Cup as a whole. “As an Asian, I want to see an Asian team lift the trophy—maybe Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. Cricket is like a second religion here. This is a great opportunity for Asian teams to make the semi-finals and go all the way.”
Senior pro Prabodhani and the Colombo buzz
Athapaththu was glowing in her praise for veteran seamer Udeshika Prabodhani. “Udeshika is our strike bowler and most senior player. I often seek her advice for decisions. It’s a privilege to play with her.”
On the atmosphere at home, she added: “In the Asia Cup at Dambulla, crowds came in huge numbers. I expect the same in Colombo. Cricket is crazy in Asia, so I believe we’ll see big crowds.”
Guwahati unknowns
The World Cup opener will also be Sri Lanka’s first outing in Guwahati. “I have never played here before. I only know some men’s games were played here, and I remember Dasun Shanaka’s hundred at this ground. But the wicket looks good for batting, a balanced surface. Let’s see what we can do tomorrow.”
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