Sri Lanka has officially confirmed their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will take place from October 3 to 20 in the UAE. With this announcement, they became the 10th and last team to declare their lineup for the tournament. The squad, led by star batter Chamari Athapaththu, aims to build on recent successes and put up a strong fight in the competition.
A Well-Rounded Squad with Experience and Youth
Chamari Athapaththu, known for her aggressive batting style and leadership, will captain the side. She has been the backbone of the Sri Lankan team for years and recently led the team to the Women’s Asia Cup victory earlier in 2024. Athapaththu’s form and ability to guide younger players will be crucial as Sri Lanka faces tough competition in Group A, which includes India, Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
Among the players joining Athapaththu is Harshitha Samarawickrama, a reliable top-order batter. Her calm presence at the crease complements Athapaththu’s aggressive approach, and the duo will likely form a critical partnership for Sri Lanka. Young batting talents like Vishmi Gunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari add further depth to the lineup.
An exciting inclusion in the squad is 15-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Shashini Gimhani. Gimhani, who is yet to turn 16, has impressed in her brief international career with six wickets from five T20I matches, boasting an average of 13.83. Her performances could be a game-changer for Sri Lanka, especially on UAE pitches that tend to favor spin.
The bowling attack will be spearheaded by seasoned campaigners Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, and Udeshika Probodhani. With their vast experience, they will be expected to shoulder the burden of taking key wickets at crucial moments. The all-round presence of Nilakshi de Silva, Ama Kanchana, and Achini Kulasuriya provides balance and versatility to the side.
Challenges Ahead in a Competitive Group
Sri Lanka faces a tough challenge in Group A, alongside powerhouse teams like Australia and India, who are both favorites to progress deep into the tournament. New Zealand and Pakistan are also formidable opponents, making the group a battleground for high-quality cricket.
Sri Lanka’s recent form, however, has been encouraging. Their triumph in the 2024 Women’s Asia Cup has boosted team morale, and they will be eager to carry that momentum into the World Cup. Athapaththu’s captaincy will play a key role in ensuring the team remains focused and confident as they embark on this challenging journey.
Key Fixtures to Watch
The team’s opening matches will be crucial. A positive start against either New Zealand or Pakistan could set the tone for their campaign and boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals. For Sri Lanka to achieve this, key players like Athapaththu and Gimhani will need to perform at their best, with the bowling unit expected to put pressure on strong batting lineups from India and Australia.
The competition is set to take place in Sharjah and Dubai, after being shifted from Bangladesh due to political unrest. These venues have historically provided good conditions for spinners, and Sri Lanka’s squad, which includes several quality spinners, could find success on these slow, turning pitches.
Conclusion
With a mix of youth and experience, Sri Lanka’s squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 has the potential to surprise their opponents. The leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, combined with emerging talents like Shashini Gimhani, offers a promising outlook. As the team departs for the UAE, they will carry the hopes of a nation looking for another strong performance on the global stage.
The team will head to the UAE on September 23, giving them a few days to acclimatize to the conditions before the tournament kicks off. How Sri Lanka handles the pressure in this highly competitive group will determine whether they can make a significant mark in this year’s World Cup.