Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka’s captain, is enthusiastic about her team’s chances at the 2018 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, stating that sub-continental conditions will benefit her squad. Sri Lanka will return to the 50-over World Cup after missing the previous tournament in New Zealand in 2022. Athapaththu believes that familiarity with local conditions will be a significant benefit as the event begins on September 30.
The captain was also buoyed by Sri Lanka’s historic performance at the 2013 World Cup, the last time the game was held in the subcontinent, when they finished fifth. Athapaththu is certain that her side, which includes both seasoned and talented young players, will be able to rise to the occasion once more.
“Playing at a World Cup isn’t something you get to do every day, and it is an opportunity that we will not take for granted. It’s a huge honour to captain my country at an ODI World Cup and the fact that part of the tournament will be played at home in Sri Lanka makes it that much more special. We are excited to be playing some matches in front of our own fans. It’s a huge advantage and an good opportunity for us,” said Athapaththu to ICC.
“Sri Lankan cricket has come a long way since the 1990s and we have taken part in several World Cups since. In my own time, I can confidently say that we’ve grown so much as a team over the years. In 2013, we beat defending champions England as well as India and that was by far the best achievement we had in a World Cup up to that point. I feel we have only gotten better since and that we can compete against any side in the world,” she added.
Sri Lanka will treat every team with equal respect
Sri Lanka’s campaign begins on September 30 with the opening match against co-host India in Guwahati. Following that fixture, the side is scheduled to play five of their remaining six matches in Colombo, where large crowds are expected. The captain is hopeful that strong home support will lift the players and add momentum to their performances. She conceded that there is also confidence within the camp regarding the balance of the squad.
“We have a promising group of players such as Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne and Kavisha Dilhari, along with several other talented youngsters. The subcontinent conditions are something we are used to, and I feel that will give us a secret advantage. 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,” Athapaththu said.
“This tournament is also a chance for us to raise our standards to a new level. 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 30 September. We know how strong India is and they will be desperate to impress the local support. But equally, we know thousands of our own fans will come along to support us and many more will be watching in front of television screens at home,” she concluded.
Sri Lanka squad:
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, Achini Kulasooriya.
India
