Having won the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in sensational fashion, upsetting India, Sri Lanka has entered the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 as potential dark horses to go on a deep run.
Though, their chances took a enormous hit on the very first day as the Chamari Athapaththu-led side slipped to a brutal 31-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan, chasing a mere 117.
For Sri Lanka, it doesn’t get any easier from here. Next up for the Asian side is defending champions Australia, who began their campaign yesterday (5) against the island nation.
Australia will be the irresistible favourites heading into the clash, but Athapaththu insisted that her side could emerge victorious if they played their absolute best cricket.
“We need to play confident, fearless cricket and have the right approach. We know Australia is a very good team, but if we play our best cricket, we can beat anyone,” Athapaththu said after the Pakistan defeat.
The Sri Lanka skipper asserted that her side had unsuccessful to win Thursday’s (3) clash because of their inability to adjust to the conditions.
She reckoned that the bowlers had done a fine job but the batters had wriggled to cope with the slow and low conditions that were on offer.
“We struggled to chase 120; we have to adjust to these conditions, can’t complain. We bowled well, but we need to bat really good as well in these conditions. I feel it is tricky because the wicket is slow and low, and the outfield is tricky as well,” Athapaththu said.
After the Australia clash, Sri Lanka will have three days off before taking on India in Dubai on Wednesday (9).
English 
Sinhala