Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu expresses confidence in her team’s potential at the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, emphasizing their familiarity with sub-continent conditions.
New Delhi, September 18 (ANI) – Sri Lanka’s cricket captain, Chamari Athapaththu, is optimistic about her team’s prospects in the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, which will take place in the sub-continent. Athapaththu believes that playing in familiar conditions will provide her side with a significant advantage.
This year’s tournament marks Sri Lanka’s return to the 50-over World Cup after they missed the previous edition held in New Zealand in 2022. Athapaththu is confident that her team can be competitive in the eight-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
In 2013, when the World Cup was last held in the sub-continent, Sri Lanka achieved their highest-ever finish, securing fifth place. Athapaththu sees this history as a positive omen for her team as they prepare for the tournament, which begins on September 30.
“The sub-continent conditions are something we are used to, and I feel that will give us a secret advantage,” Athapaththu stated, as reported by the ICC. “Combined with the experience of our senior players, we have a strong balance of youth and maturity, and this year’s World Cup is a real chance for us to shine.”
She emphasized the importance of raising their performance standards during the tournament. “All the teams in this World Cup are here to win, so we will not underestimate anyone. We will treat every opponent with equal respect and give our best in every single match, starting with the opener against India in Guwahati on September 30,” she added.
Following their opening match against India, Sri Lanka will play five of their remaining six matches in Colombo, in front of their home fans. Athapaththu expressed her excitement about this opportunity, hoping for strong support from the crowd.
“We are excited to be playing some matches in front of our own fans. It’s a huge advantage and a good opportunity for us,” she remarked.
Athapaththu reflected on the progress of Sri Lankan cricket since the 1990s, noting the team’s participation in several World Cups over the years. “In my own time, I can confidently say that we’ve grown so much as a team,” she stated.
She recalled the team’s notable achievements in the 2013 World Cup, where they defeated defending champions England and India, marking a significant milestone in their World Cup history. “I feel we have only gotten better since and that we can compete against any side in the world,” she affirmed.
The Sri Lanka squad for the World Cup includes: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, and Achini Kulasooriya. Inoshi Fernando will serve as a reserve player.
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