Sophie Devine showcased her fielding brilliance with a spectacular backward running catch to dismiss Anushka Sanjeewani during a crucial moment of the game in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on Saturday (October 12).

Sophie Devine’s outstanding backward running catch

In the 16th over, Leigh Kasperek delivered a tempting flighted ball outside of??f-stump, luring Sanjeewani to charge down the pitch in an attempt to clear mid-off. However, the batter mistimed her shot, sending the ball high into the air.

Devine, positioned at mid-off, had a tough task ahead as the ball soared over her shoulder. With precision and composure, she turned and sprinted backward, tracking the ball with her eyes fixed firmly on it. Despite the awkward angle and the pressure of the moment, Devine reached out and completed a stunning catch, just as the ball began to descend. Her athleticism and quick reflexes made the dismissal look effortless, but it was a testament to her experience and skill as one of the game’s top all-rounders.

This catch not only removed Sanjeewani for 5 off ??7 balls but also gave Kasperek her second wicket, pushing Sri Lanka deeper into trouble. Devine’s brilliance in the field lifted New Zealand’s energy, keeping the pressure on their opponents and contributing to a strong team performance.

Here’s the video:

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Sri Lanka struggle to 115/5 after Chamari Athapaththu steady 35

Sri Lanka Women, choosing to bat first in the match against New Zealand, could only manage 115/5 in 20 overs. Chamari Athapaththu played a patient knock of 35 off 41 balls, but her inability to accelerate stalled Sri Lanka’s innings. After her dismissal in the 14th over, the middle order faltered under pressure. Harshitha Samarawickrama contributed 18 before falling to Kasperek. Despite late efforts from Nilakshika Silva (14*) and Ama Kanchana (10*), Sri Lanka struggled to push the scoring rate. E??xtras ac?counted for 15 runs, boosting their modest total.

Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek shine for New Zealand

New Zealand’s bowlers were disciplined, led by Amelia Kerr, who picked up 2 wickets for just 13 runs in her four overs. Kerr’s clever variations troubled the batters, taking crucial wickets, including Athapaththu. Kasperek also impressed with 2/27, dismissing Samarawickrama and Sanjeewani. Devine’s athletic backward-running catch added to New Zealand’s sharp fielding display. Eden Carson contributed with 1/19, while the pace duo of Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu applied pre??ssure with economical spells. The well-rounded bowling effort left New Zealand with a m??anageable target of 116.

Also READ: Clinical Australia beat Pakistan to r??egister a comma?nding win in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

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The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) promises to captivate cricket fans with its exhilarating matches and exceptional talent. Scheduled from October 3 to 20, the tournament will take place at the renowned Dubai Cricket Stadium and Sharjah, providing a distinctive atmosphere for spectators. As the leading cricketing nations vie for the prestigious title, the UAE’s challenging playing conditions will put every team’s skills to the test. With 10 teams competing in a total of 23 matches, this event is set to be a thrilling showcase of women’s cricket excellence.

Sri Lanka waiting in with all readiness

Sri Lanka are gearing up for the 2024 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, set to commence on October 3 in the UAE. Under the leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, who is not only the captain but also a key all-rounder, the team aims to? make a significant impact in the tournament.

The Sri Lankan squad boasts a mix of ?experienc??e and youth, featuring players like:

• Chamari Athapaththu (Captain): A seasoned player known for her explosive batting and precise off-spin bowling, Athapaththu is currently ranked fifth among T20 all-rounders. Her leadership will be crucial, especially after leading Sri Lanka to their inaugural Asia Cup title recently.
• Harshitha Madhavi: A talented batter who has shown promise in recent matches, including a strong performance during Sri Lanka’s tour of Ireland.
• Vishmi Gunaratne: An emerging star, Gunaratne has been pivotal in the batting lineup and recently scored a century against Ireland in ODIs.
• Inoka Ranaweera and Udeshika Prabodhani: Both are experienced bowlers who can play vital roles with their skills in crucial match situations.

Sri Lanka’s match schedule and key challenges

Sri Lanka’s campaign will kick off against Pakistan on October 3 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This match will be critical as it sets the tone for their tournament run. Following this, they face other formidable teams, including defending champions Australia on October 5.

The UAE’s playing conditions will present unique challenges. The pitch is known for being spin-friendly, which could favour Sri Lanka’s bowling strategy if executed well. However, adapting to the heat and humidity will be essential for maintaining performance levels throughout the tournament.

Also READ: Team India’s best XI for the Women’s T20 World Cup ?2024

Sri Lanka’s best XI for the global event:

1. Chamari Athapaththu
   • Role: Captain and All-rounder
   • Expectation: As the captain and leading run-scorer, Athapaththu is expected to anchor the batting order while also contributing with her off-spin bowling.
   • Strengths: Exceptional batting ability, experience in high-pressure situations, and strategic leadership. She has been in outstanding form, scoring 675 runs in T20Is in 2024.
2. Anushka Sanjeewani
   • Role: Wicketkeeper-Batter
   • Expectation: Sanjeewani is expected to provide stability at the top of the order and capitalize on powerplay overs.
   • Strengths: Quick scoring ability and adeptness behind the stumps, making her a dual threat.
3. Harshitha Madhavi
   • Role: Top-order Batter
   • Expectation: Madhavi is anticipated to build a solid foundation for the innings with her consistent batting.
   • Strengths: Strong technique and ability to rotate the strike, crucial for setting up partnerships.
4. Nilakshika de Silva
   • Role: Middle-order Batter
   • Expectation: De Silva is expected to stabilize the innings during middle overs and accelerate towards the end.
   • Strengths: Ability to play spin well and adapt to different match situations.
5. Inoka Ranaweera
   • Role: Bowling All-rounder
   • Expectation: Ranaweera is expected to contribute with both bat and ball, particularly in the spin department.
   • Strengths: Effective left-arm orthodox spin and handy lower-order batting.
6. Hasini Perera
   • Role: Middle-order Batter
   • Expectation: Perera is expected to provide aggressive batting in the middle overs, targeting bowlers.
   • Strengths: Power-hitting capabilities and experience in chasing targets.
7. Kavisha Dilhari
   • Role: All-rounder
   • Expectation: Dilhari is anticipated to provide depth in both batting and bowling, especially in critical phases of the game.
   • Strengths: Versatile player who can change the game with both bat and ball.
8. Sachini Nisansala
   • Role: Bowler
   • Expectation: Nisansala is expected to lead the bowling attack alongside spinners, targeting early breakthroughs.
   • Strengths: Fast-medium bowling with an ability to swing the ball.
9. Vishmi Gunaratne
   • Role: Top-order Batter
   • Expectation: Gunaratne is expected to make quick runs at the top and set a positive tone for the innings.
   • Strengths: Aggressive stroke play and good running between wickets.
10. Udeshika Prabodhani
    • Role: Fast Bowler
    • Expectation: Prabodhani is expected to spearhead the pace attack and take early wickets.
    • Strengths: Experience in T20 cricket and ability to bowl in death overs effectively.
11. Achini Kulasuriya
    • Role: Bowler
    • Expectation: Kulasuriya is expected to support the spin attack and take crucial wickets during middle overs.
    • Strengths: Left-arm spin that can be effective on turning tracks, adding variety to the bowling lineup.

This lineup combines experience with emerging talent, positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive force in the upcoming global?? tournament. Each player brings unique strengths that will be vital for their success in this prestigious tournament.

Also READ: Australia’s be?st XI for th?e Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

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

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Sri Lanka have announced a competitive 15-player squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be hosted in the UAE. In a key decision, an experienced spinner has been recalled, while?? emerging pacer has been excluded from the squad.

Inoka Ranaweera returns for spin-favored conditions

Inoka Ranaweera has been brought back into the fold after missing out on Sri Lanka’s victorious Women’s Asia Cup squad earlier this year, as well as the team that toured Ireland. Despite her recent absence from international action, Ranaweera has been recalled with the expectation that UAE’s spin-friendly surfaces will play to her strengths.

The veteran left-arm spinner, who boasts 91 wickets in 82 T20Is and an impressive economy rate of 5.86, adds considerable experience to the Sri Lankan bowling attack. While her recent T20I performances haven’t been headline-worthy, her ability? to control the game with her variations makes her an invaluable inclusion for the squad.

Limited pace options but depth in spin

With Kawya Kavindi missing out, Sri Lanka heads into the World Cup with just three frontline seamers: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. However, the team’s spin department is well-stocked, with the likes of Inoshi Priyadharshani, Sugandika Kumari, and Kavisha Dilhari joining Ranaweera. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu also offers ?additional spin options with her part-time off-breaks.

Powerful batting lineup

Sri Lanka’s batting unit looks stronger than ever, with captain Athapaththu leading the charge. The dynamic opener has been in stellar form, and with Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old prodigy Vishmi Gunaratne also in great touch, ??the team is poised to make an impact with the bat. Fresh off their Asia ??Cup triumph, the squad will be riding high on confidence as they prepare for the World Cup.

Also READ: Complete details of the record prize money for Women’s T20 World Cup 2??024

Challenging group stage awaits

Sri Lanka faces a difficult task in Group A, where they will be up against the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan. The tournament kicks off on October 3, and Sri Lanka will aim to carry forward their momentum from the Asia Cup into this global competition, hoping f??or a deep run in the knockout stages.

Sri Lanka squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilshari, Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka?? Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala??, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika Kumari

Travelling reserve: Kaushini Nuthyangana

Also READ: Here ?are the ticket price de??tails for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE

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Ireland are set to host Sri Lanka in a two-match Women’s T20I series, beginning on August 11 at the Pembroke Cricket Club in Dublin. Both matches of the T20I series will be held at t??his venue, followed by a three-match ODI series between the two teams.

Sri Lanka riding high on recent successes

Sri Lanka Women enter the series with strong momentum, having achieved significant successes in recent months. They secured victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024, followed by a historic triumph in the Asia Cup, where they defeated India to claim their first-ever title in the competition. ?This recent run ??of form makes Sri Lanka a formidable opponent for the Irish side.

Ireland aiming to challenge Sri Lanka’s form

Ireland, meanwhile, also showed promise in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024, putting up commendable performances. As they prepare to take on a high-flying Sri Lankan team, the Irish Women will be looking to leverage home advantage and build on their recent successes to challenge their in-form opponents in what promises to be an exciting series.

Sri Lanka’s top-choice playing XI for the Women’s T20I series against Ireland:

Vishmi Gunaratne

• Strength: A promising young batter with a strong technique and the ability to build innings.
• Role: Opening or top-order batter who can anchor the innings and set a solid foundation for the team.

Harshitha Samarawickrama

• Strength: A consistent middle-order batter known for her calmness under pressure and ability to rotate the strike.
• Role: Key middle-order batter, responsible for stabilizing the innings and accelerating when needed.

Hasini Perera

• Strength: An aggressive left-handed batter with a natural flair for attacking cricket.
• Role: Top-order batter who can take on bowlers early in the innings, setting an aggressive tone for the team.

Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)

• Strength: A reliable wicketkeeper and a handy lower-order batter with good finishing skills.
• Role: Wicketkeeper-batter, providing stability in the lower order and ensuring strong glove work behind the stumps.

Kavisha Dilhari

• Strength: A versatile all-rounder with effective off-spin bowling and the ability to contribute valuable runs in the lower middle order.
• Role: All-rounder who can provide crucial breakthroughs with her spin and add depth to the batting lineup.

Nilakshi de Silva

• Strength: A dependable middle-order batter with the ability to play both aggressive and defensive roles depending on the match situation.
• Role: Middle-order batter, tasked with guiding the innings during the middle overs and playing a key role in partnerships.

Also WATCH: Ashleigh Gardner cleans up Georgia Redmayne with ?a beauty in The Hundred Women 2024

Udeshika Prabodhani

• Strength: A seasoned left-arm seamer with the ability to swing the ball and trouble batters with her accuracy.
• Role: Opening bowler, leading the attack with the new ball and aiming to make early breakthroughs.

Sugandika Kumari

• Strength: A left-arm spinner known for her control and ability to tie down batters with economical spells.
• Role: Frontline spinner, expected to maintain pressure in the middle overs and pick up key wickets.

Sachini Nisansala

• Strength: An emerging left-arm spinner with potential to deceive batters with her flight and turn.
• Role: Supporting spinner who can complement the primary spinners and provide variety in the bowling attack.

Kaushini Nuthyangana

• Strength: A young player with quick reflexes and developing batting skills.
• Role: Backup wicketkeeper and lower-order batter, offering flexibility in team composition and providing depth in the lineup.

Achini Kulasuriya

• Strength: A right-arm fast bowler with the ability to generate pace and bounce, troubling batters with her aggressive style.
• Role: Fast bowler, part of the pace attack, responsible for maintaining pressure and taking wickets in the middle and death overs.

Note: Athapaththu will not feature in the T20Is due to her commitmen??ts in The Hundred

Also READ: Ashleigh Gardner opens up on price-tag pressure? of Women’s Premier League (WPL)

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

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In a dramatic Semi-Final 2 of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 held at Dambulla on Friday (July 26), Sri Lanka Women secured their place in the final with a thrilling 3-wicket victory over Pakistan Women. Chasing a competitive target of 141, Sri Lanka achieved their goal with just one ball to spare, thanks to a gritty 63 from their captain, Chamari Athapaththu. Sri Lanka will now face the seven-time champions, Indian Women, in the final, aiming to cap off a strong tournament perform??ance with the championship.

Pakistan’s competitive total

Pakistan set a competitive total of 140/4 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Muneeba Ali, who contributed a solid 37 off 34 balls, including five boundaries. Gull Feroza also played a valuable role, scoring 25 off 24 balls. Captain Nida Dar added a quickfire 23 off 17 balls, while Fatima Sana and Aliya Riaz provided a late b?oost with their unbeaten contributions.

The key partnership of the innings came between Muneeba and Nida, who added 33 runs for the fourth wicket. Despite this steady buildup, Pakistan’s innings faced significant disruptions from Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari each took two wickets, while Sugandika Kumari and Athapaththu maintained the pressure with t??heir econo??mical spells.

Also READ: Women’s Asi??a ?Cup 2024: Date, Match Time, Venue, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details

Sri Lanka chase led by Chamari Athapaththu

In response, Sri Lanka chased down the target of 141 in dramatic fashion. Athapaththu was instrumental in the chase, scoring a crucial 63 off 48 balls with nine boundaries and one six. Her innings was pivotal in guiding Sri Lanka towards victory. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari also made contributions with 12 and 17 runs, respectively, but it was the late surge from Anushka Sanjeewani that ensured Sri Lanka crossed the finish line.

Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking four key wickets for just 16 runs. Despite her exceptional performance, Sri Lanka’s consistent batting and strategic partnerships allowed them to inch closer to the target. The final over was particularly tense, with Sri Lanka needing 6 runs off the last 6 balls. Sanjeewani’s composed innings secured the win with a ball to spare. Pakistan’s bowlers, including Nida and Omaima Sohail, provided strong resistance but could not prevent Sri Lank?a from clinching the victory.

Here’s how Fans reacted:

Queen 👸

Absolute queen you are!!! @58Chamari

Chamari Athapaththu scores 63 (48) in the 2024 Asia Cup Semi-Final pic.twitter.com/O5BRwnSUyT

— Kanishka Roshan (@KrosaniTy) July 26, 2024

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu is the best ever Asian Women's cricketer. 🇱🇰 #Cricket #SriLanka

— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) July 26, 2024

Nervy semi-final. Great to watch 🙌
Sri L??anka and their crowd will ??be a good test for India in the final.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) July 26, 2024

Sri Lanka deservedly into the finals, but that was some last over from Nida Dar. And there were half a million people concurrent on Hotstar watching the conclusion of this riveting semifinal. #AsiaCup

— Tareque Laskar (@tarequelaskar) July 26, 2024

What a Win Sri Lanka Women Team, They Just Beat Pak in Semi. It's Ind vs SL in Asia Cup Final 🔥#AsiaCup

— Sagar Mhatre (@MhatreGang) July 26, 2024

Classic match after a long time from women's cricket. Sri Lanka W team is full of fighters. Need bit more smart to compete with india. #AsiaCup

— JD (@consistntpunter) July 26, 2024

Nida Dar, experienced player, committed a blunder in today's semi final against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka needed 2 runs from 2 balls. Nida bowled a wide ball and thus made the run-chase easy for Sri Lanka.😡😡😡

— Yasir Yousafzai (@Yasirpukhtoon) July 26, 2024

Sri Lanka win!

They play India in the Final!

Pakistan, you had many chances, just didn't grab them.

— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 26, 2024

Chamari Athapaththu's heart was beating outside her body throughout that 20th over. Heartbreak for Nida Dar's side but oh god, what a relief for the Lankan legend. #AsiaCup2024 #WomensAsiaCup

— Lavanya 🎙️🎥👩🏻‍�?(@lav_narayanan) July 26, 2024

What a match 🔥🔥

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan by 3 wickets and charges into the finals of the Asia Cup 2024 🙌#women #cricket #SLvPAK #asiacup2024 #ChamariAthapaththu #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/6k5R9O44bX

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) July 26, 2024

Sri Lanka beat Pakistan in a thrilling semifinal, getting over the line with 1 ball left & 3 wickets in hand. They we??re coasting until an inspired performance from Sadia Iqbal got Pakistan back in the hunt. But ultimately, Chamari Athapaththu was the difference m?aker again.

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) July 26, 2024

Also READ: W?omen’s Asia Cup 2024: Here are the complete squads of all 8 teams</h3

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

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Excitement is building as the 19th Asian Games is all set to host women’s cricket matches in Hangzhou from September 19th to September 25th. Adding to the fervor, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) recently announced their formidable 15-member women’s squad for the marquee event featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talents.

It is worth mentioning that the 19th Asian Games mark the return of cri??cket to? this prestigious multi-sport event. The last time cricket featured in the Asian Games was in 2014, making this comeback a momentous occasion for cricket fans across the continent. Games.

T20 Format and Sri Lanka’s recent success

The women’s cricket matches in the 19th Asian Games will be played in the T20 format, adding to the event’s excitement. Interestingly, Sri Lanka’s women’s team comes into the tournament brimming with confidence following their historic T20I series win over England. This triumph has raised expectations and has made the Islanders a fo??rmidable force to reckon with in the Asian Games

Apart from this, Sri Lanka is also among the four teams that have been granted direct entry into the quarter-finals. The other three teams to have already secured a spot in the quarter-finals are India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Also READ: Pooja Vastrakar added as BCCI announ??ces India Women’s revi?sed squad for the Asian Games 2023

Key players added to Sri Lanka’s squad for 19th Asian Games

Sri Lanka Cricket has left no stone unturned in selecting a full-strength squad for the women’s cricket event at the 19th Asian Games. They selected their best players for the assignment. Leading the charge is the veteran cricketer Chamari Athapaththu, who has retained her position as the team’s captain. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the team through the challenges of the Asian Games. Alongside her, notable names in the squad include Harshita Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, and Hasini Perera, all of whom have the potential to make significant contributions to the team’s success.

Sri Lanka women’s squad for Asian Games 2023:

Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshita Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaveesha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, H??asini Perera, Kaushini Nuthyangan??a, Achini Kulasooriya, Inoshi Fernando

Also READ: England star Nat Sciver-Brunt opens up on her bowling pl?ans for the India series

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

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