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.
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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 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 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 wickets 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
