The stage is set for the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will take place in the United Arab Emirates from October 3 to 20, 2024. Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team, currently ranked seventh in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings, will begin their campaign with a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan. Both teams are evenly matched in the rankings, ??promising an exciting start to the tournament.

Sri Lanka’s Group A challenges

Sri Lanka faces stiff competition in Group A, which includes the defending champions Australia, as well as cricketing powerhouses India, New Zealand, and Pakistan. Australia, the most dominant team in Women’s T20 World Cup history with six titles, remains ??the team to beat. To advance to the knockout stages, Sri Lanka will need to bring their best game, particularly against the formidable Australian and Indian sides.

Sri Lanka’s journey in the T20 World Cup

Historically, Sri Lanka’s performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup has been underwhelming. Across eight editions, they have never reached the final. Out of 31 matches played in the tournament’s history, Sri Lanka have managed to win just 10, giving them a win?? percentage of 32.25%. This record reflects the challenges they have faced but also provides an opportuni??ty for redemption as they aim for their maiden title in 2024.

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5 Sri Lanka players to watch out for in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 

1. Chamari Athapaththu (captain)

Chamari Athapaththu, the captain and star player of Sri Lanka, is one of the best batters in the world. Ranked seventh in the ICC Women’s T20I batting rankings, Athapaththu has over 3,300 runs to her name and is the sixth-highest run-scorer in T20I history. A left-handed batter with the ability to dominate bowling attacks, she is also a useful off-spinner. Athapaththu’s experience and leadership will be crucial for Sri Lanka, especially as they face tough competition in the group stages.

• T20I Matches: 139 | Runs: 3,326 | Average: 25.38 | 50s: 12 | 100s: 3
• Previous World Cup (2023): 118 runs in 4 matches

2. Harshitha Samarawickrama

Harshitha Samarawickrama, the 24-year-old left-handed opener, is one of Sri Lanka’s most promising batters. Known for her aggressive stroke play and ability to maintain a high strike rate, Samarawickrama was the top scorer for Sri Lanka in the 2023?? Women’s T20 World Cup. Having debuted at just 17, she has matured into a key player for her side, and her perfo??rmance at the top of the order will be vital for Sri Lanka’s success.

• T20I Matches: 65 | Runs: 1,463 | Average: 31.12 | 50s: 8
• Previous World Cup (2023): 119 runs in 4 matches

3. Nilakshika Damayanthi Silva

A middle-order mainstay, Nilakshika Silva brings stability to Sri Lank?a’s batting lineup. Silva is known for her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. With a knack for finding gaps and rotating the strike, she is crucial in building partnerships. Although her T20I average ??may not reflect her potential, Silva’s calmness under pressure could prove invaluable in high stakes matches.

• T20I Matches: 97 | Runs: 1,046 | Average: 17.43 | 50s: 1
• Previous World Cup (2023): 60 runs in 4 matches

4. Kavisha Dilhari

A batting all-rounder, Kavisha Dilhari’s versatility with ?both bat and ball makes her an asset to the team. While her performance in the last World Cup was below expectations, she has the talent to bounce back. Dilhari is a useful middle-order batter and can chip in with key wickets. Her contributions in both disciplines could play a decisive role in Sri Lanka’s campaign.

• T20I Matches: 62 | Runs: 483 | Average: 14.63 | Wickets: 50
• Previous World Cup (2023): 4 runs in 3 matches

5. Sugandika Kumari

Sugandika Kumari, a ?left-arm orthodox bowler, is a key player in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. Known for her ability to bowl economically in the middle overs and break crucial partnerships, Kumari has 58 wick?ets in her T20I career. Her experience and ability to outsmart batters with her variations will be crucial, particularly when Sri Lanka face strong batting lineups like India and Australia.

• T20I Matches: 81 | Wickets: 58 | Average: 27.98
• Previous World Cup (2023): 2 wickets in 4 matches

Also 5 Pakistan players to watch out for in Women’s T20 World? Cup 2024?? �Women Cricket

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 ec??onomy rate of 5.86, add??s 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 confiden??ce as they prepare for the World Cup.

Also READ: Compl??ete details of the record prize money for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

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 for a deep run in the knockout stage??s.

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 details for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in UAE

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

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In Match 2 of the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024, the Barbados Royals faced off against the Trinbago Knight Riders at th??e Brian Lara Stad??ium in Tarouba. The Royals put in a commanding performance, securing a seven-wicket victory.

Trinbago Knight Riders’ innings

The Knight Riders, batting first, were restricted to 113/9 by the Royals. The top scorers for the Knight Riders were Shikha Pandey with 30 off 34 balls, followed by captain Deandra Dottin with 28, and Zaida James who contributed 22 runs. The Royals’ bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Chinelle Henry, Hayley Matthews and Amanda-Jade Wellington each claiming two wickets. Qiana Joseph and Aaliyah Alleyne added a wicket each to their tally.

Barbados Royals’ chase

In reply, Matthews played a match-winning innings, scoring an unbeaten 67 off 56 balls, featuring 12 boundaries. Her knock was crucial in guiding the Royals to victory. Qiana Joseph (16), Aaliyah Alleyne (11) and Laura Harris (14 off 7 balls) provided valuable support, ensuring the Royals chased down the target with ease. For the Knight Riders, Jess Jonassen was the standout bowler, taking two wickets. Anisa Mohammed also b?owled well, claiming one wicket in her three overs with an impressive economy rate under 4.

Also READ: WCPL 2024: Trinbago?? Knight Riders announce rep??lacement for injured Meg Lanning

Stunning catch by Amanda-Jade Wellington

Wellington also produced a remarkable piece of fielding during the match. Her exceptional diving catch dismissed the dangerous Harshita Samarawickrama during the powerplay. After the early loss of Kacia Knight, Harshita and Jemimah Rodrigues attempted to stabilize the innings. Rodrigues managed to score quickly, but Samawatama struggled. On her eighth delivery, facing mounting pressure, she attempted to play agressive shot on a full ball from Henry but was brilliantly caught by Wellington at mid-wicket. This stunning catch was a key moment in the match, ending Samawatama ‘s painful stay at the crease and adding to Wellington’s impressive all-round performance.

Here’s the video:

A stunner from Amanda-Jane Wellington secures tonight's Massy Play of the Day�#WCPL24 #TKRvBR #CricketPlayedLouder #BiggestPartyInSport #Massy pic.twitter.com/QtkCDjtzbv

— CPL T20 (@CPL) August 23, 2024

Also WATCH: Erin Burns plucks a screamer to dism?iss Georgia Red??mayne in WCPL 2024 opener

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

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In the opening match of the Sri Lanka Women tour of Ireland 2024, Sri Lanka Women claimed a comfortable 7-wicket victory over Ireland Women at Pe??mbroke Cricket Club, Sandymount. After electing to bowl first, the visitors showcased a balanced performance with both bat and ball, setting the tone for the series.

Ireland posts a moderate total

Ireland Women, after being put into bat, managed to post a respectable total of 145/6 in their 20 overs. Gaby Lewis led the Irish batting effort with a steady 39 off 33 balls, supported by contributions from Orla Prendergast (29 off 27) and Laura Delany (25 off 21).

Despite a solid start, the Irish innings lacked the acceleration needed in the middle overs, largely due to disciplined bowling from the Sri Lankan attack. Inoshi Fernando was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs, while Udeshika Prabodhani and Sugandika Kumari each picked up a w??icket, keeping the? Irish batters in check.

Also WATCH: Smr?iti Mandhana hits the bullsey?e to run out Bryony Smith in The Hundred Women 2024

Harshitha Samarawickrama shines

Chasing 146 for victory, Sri Lanka Women made light work of the target, reaching 149/3 in just 16.4 overs. The chase was masterfully orchestrated by Harshitha Samarawickrama, who p??layed a scintillating knock of 86 off 45 ba?lls, featuring 15 fours and a six.

Her aggressive approach put the Irish bowlers under constant pressure and ensured that Sri Lanka remained ahead of the required rate throughout the innings. Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne provided valuable support w??ith 30 off 34 balls, helping to build a strong foundation.

Although Ireland managed to claim three wickets, with Freya Sargent, Delany, and Arlene Kelly each taking one, it was not enough to stem the flow of runs. Sri Lanka’s commanding performance with the bat saw them cruise to a well-deserved victory.

A comprehensive win

Sri Lanka Women’s dominant performance in both departments earned them a convincing win and a 1-0 lead in the series. Samarawickrama was rightfully named Player of the Match for her outstanding innings, which played a crucial role in her team’s success. Ireland Women will need to regroup and come up with a stronger performance in the next match to level the series.

Also WATCH: Lau?ren Filer cleans up Meg ??Lanning with a beauty in The Hundred Women 2024

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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 this venue, followed by a three-match ODI series between th??e 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 b??eauty 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 he?r commitments in The Hundred

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

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

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