Women’s ODI World Cup | Home comfort and balance in squad fuel Lanka’s hopes under new leadership

If misfortune denied Sri Lanka a place in the 2022 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, its path to the current one was earned through merit, not luck. The Islanders missed out after the qualifiers for that edition in Zimbabwe was called off in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An impressive fifth-place finish in the ICC Women’s Championship 2022/23-25, built on nine wins and 22 points, secured Sri Lanka its best-ever ranking and automatic qualification.

Sri Lanka now prepares for its seventh appearance at the marquee tournament. As co-hosts alongside India, the Lankans, gearing up for their seventh ODI World Cup appearance, will benefit from home conditions as five of their seven group games are scheduled at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

Under Chamari Athapaththu’s leadership, the side has scaled new heights, winning the Women’s T20 Asia Cup last year and reaching the final of a home tri-series against India, where it even managed a win over the eventual champion.

Yet, the 50-over showpiece will be the 35-year-old star’s first as captain. The all-rounder spearheads a core of experienced performers and promising youngsters. Her individual brilliance often swings matches, but the rest of the team possesses the potential to achieve more.

Harshita Samarawickrama and Nilakshika de Silva will anchor the batting, while wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani, who serves as Athapaththu’s deputy, adds stability behind the stumps.

Several players are set to make their World Cup debuts as well, including Kavisha Dilhari and Dewmi Vihanga.

On subcontinental pitches that traditionally favour spin, Sri Lanka looks well-stocked.

Inoka Ranaweera, who led Sri Lanka at the 2017 World Cup, brings both experience and guile with her slow left-arm spin. She will be ably supported by Athapaththu’s off-spin and Sugandika Kumari’s left-arm orthodox.

In the pace department, veteran left-armer Udeshika Prabodhani provides experience with the new ball, while Achini Kulasuriya adds accuracy and control.

With experience, balance, and home advantage, Sri Lanka will be eager to turn potential into improved performance.

The squad: Chamari Athapaththu (Capt.), 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 Kulasuriya.

Sri Lanka’s fixtures: Sept. 30: vs India (Guwahati); Oct. 4: Australia (Colombo); Oct. 11: England (Colombo); Oct. 14: New Zealand (Colombo); Oct. 17: South Africa (Colombo); Oct. 20: Bangladesh (Navi Mumbai); Oct. 24: Pakistan (Colombo).

(The 50-over ICC Women’s World Cup will be held in India and Sri Lanka from Sept. 30 to Nov. 2).