Sri Lanka are set to face off against New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting on March 14. This series comes on the heels of a recently concluded ODI series, where New Zealand dominated, winning two out of three matches after the first was washed out due to rain. The New Zealand women’s team, led by Suzie Bates, wil??l lo?ok to continue their winning streak, while Sri Lanka, under the leadership of veteran all-rounder Athapaththu, aims to turn the tide in their favour.

Sri Lanka’s cricket team struggles in T20I format

The Sri Lanka Women’s cricket team is currently ranked seventh in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Ranking??s,?? but their recent performances have been far from ideal. The team has faced a string of disappointing results, having lost their last three completed T20I matches. This slump in form has raised concerns about their consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.

Sri Lanka Women have struggled to find momentum in T20I cricket, with their batting and bowling departments failing to click simultaneously. Their batting lineup, which has relied heavily on skipper Chamari Athapaththu, has not provided the necessary support in ??crunch situations. While Athapaththu remains one of the standout performers, a lack of stability in the middle order has made it difficult for Sri Lanka to post or ch?ase competitive totals. On the bowling front, Sri Lanka’s attack has been inconsistent, failing to apply pressure on opposition batters. Their inability to defend totals and contain runs in the middle overs has been a major concern.

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W: Georgia Plimmer sizzles as New Zealand seal series against Sri La??nka with 3rd ODI Win

Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand

1. Vishmi Gunaratne

• Role: Vishmi Gunaratne is an aggressive top-order batter who can quickly change the course of the game. Her role is to score runs at a high strike rate, putting pressure on the opposition from the very start.
• Strength: Gunaratne’s aggressive batting style is her biggest strength. She can hit big shots and score boundaries, which is crucial in the powerplay overs. Her ability to take the game away from the opposition early on can be a significant advantage for Sri Lanka.

2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)

• Role: As captain and all-rounder, Athapaththu plays a dual role. She leads the team with her experience and tactical acumen, while also contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
• Strength: Athapaththu is a powerful hitter who can dominate any bowling attack. She is also an effective bowler, capable of picking up crucial wickets. Her leadership and all-round skills make her a key player in turning matches in Sri Lanka’s favor.

3. Harshitha Samarawickrama

• Role: As a top-order batter, Harshitha Samarawickrama is crucial in setting the tone for the innings. She provides stability and ensures that Sri Lanka gets off to a solid start, which is essential in the T20 format where momentum can quickly shift.
• Strength: Samarawickrama is known for her solid defensive skills, which allow her to rotate the strike effectively and build partnerships. Her ability to play long innings can anchor the Sri Lankan batting lineup, providing a foundation for more aggressive batters to follow.

4. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)

• Role: Anushka Sanjeewani serves as a wicketkeeper-batter, providing solidity in the middle order. She handles the gloves effectively, ensuring that Sri Lanka doesn’t lose wickets due to poor keeping.
• Strength: Sanjeewani offers a safe pair of hands behind the stumps, which is vital in preventing extras and ensuring that the opposition doesn’t get easy runs. She can also contribute valuable runs in the middle order, stabilizing the innings when needed.

5. Nilakshika Silva

• Role: Nilakshika Silva is a middle-order batter known for her ability to stabilize the innings. She plays a crucial role in ensuring that Sri Lanka maintains a steady run rate throughout the innings.
• Strength: Silva provides depth to the batting lineup with her consistent performances. She can rotate the strike effectively and build partnerships, which is essential for maintaining momentum in the middle overs.

6. Kavisha Dilhari

• Role: Kavisha Dilhari is an all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. Her role is to provide balance to the team by offering options in both departments.
• Strength: Dilhari’s all-round skills make her a valuable asset in the T20 format. She can score crucial runs in the lower order and pick up wickets at important junctures, making her a game-changer for Sri Lanka.

7. Rashmika Sewwandi

• Role: Rashmika Sewwandi is a bowling all-rounder who can score runs and pick up wickets. Her role is to provide a surprise element with her pace and contribute in the lower order.
• Strength: Sewwandi offers a different dimension with her pace, which can trouble the opposition batters. She can also score crucial runs in the lower order, providing a late surge to the innings.

8. Sugandika Kumari

• Role: Sugandika Kumari is an orthodox spinner known for her wicket-taking ability. Her role is to break crucial partnerships and control the middle overs.
• Strength: Kumari can be very effective in controlling the run rate and picking up wickets. Her ability to break partnerships can put pressure on the opposition, making it difficult for them to accelerate.

9. Udeshika Prabodhani

• Role: Udeshika Prabodhani is an experienced bowler who provides depth to the bowling attack. Her role is to bowl economically and restrict the opposition.
• Strength: Prabodhani’s experience and ability to bowl economically can restrict the opposition’s scoring rate. She can also pick up wickets, making her a reliable option in the Sri Lankan bowling lineup.

10. Achini Kulasooriya

• Role: Achini Kulasooriya is a pace bowler capable of picking up early wickets. Her role is to provide a different dimension with her pace.
• Strength: She offers a different challenge with her pace, which can trouble the opposition batters early on. This can lead to early wickets, putting pressure on the opposition from the start.

11. Inoshi Priyadharshani

• Role: Inoshi Priyadharshani is a bowling option who provides variety to the attack. Her role is to control the run rate and pick up wickets.
• Strength: She can be effective in controlling the run rate and picking up wickets, which helps in maintaining pressure on the opposition throughout the innings.

Also WATCH: E???mma McLeod takes a breathtaking catch to dismiss Achini Kulasuriya in the 2nd ODI

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

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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 opportunity for redemption as they aim for their maiden title in 2024.

Also 5 New Zealand pla??yers to watch out for in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 �?Women Cricket

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 performance 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 Lanka’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 vers??atility 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 contribu??tions 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 wickets in her T20I career. Her experience and ability to outsmart batters with her variations will be crucial, particularly whe??n 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 f??or in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 �Women Cricket

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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 h?er 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 opt??ion??s 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 als?o 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 Wo??men’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 forwar??d their momentum from the Asia Cup into this global competition, hoping for 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 pr??ice details for the Women’s T20 World ?Cup 2024 in UAE

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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 the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba??. The Royals put in a com?manding 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 bowl??ed well, claiming one wicket in her three overs with ?an impressive economy rate under 4.

Also READ: WCPL 2024: Trinbago Knight Riders a?nnounce replacement 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 dismiss Georgia Redmayne in W?CPL 2024 opene??r

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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 Pembroke Cricket Club, Sandymount. After electing to bowl first, the visitors showcased a ba??????????????????????????lanced 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 pic??ked up a wicket, keeping th?e Irish batters in check.

Also WATCH: Smriti Mandhana hits the bullseye to run out Br?yony 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 played 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 with 30 off 34 balls, helping to buil?d 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: Lauren Filer cleans up Me?g 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 h?eld at this 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 m??akes 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 Redmay?ne 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 ?commitme?nts in The Hundred

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

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