VishmiGunaratne has shown great promise as an up-and-coming batter for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team is heading into the ICC 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup on the back of their maiden Women’s Asia Cup victory. With standout performances throughout the year and a balanced squad, they look set to make a mark on the global stage. Here are the key Sri Lankan players to watch in the tournament, taking place in the UAE from October 3 to 20, 2024.
ChamariAthapaththu has been the cornerstone of Sri Lankan cricket for years and enters the T20 World Cup in remarkable form. The Sri Lankan captain was named Player of the Tournament at the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, where she amassed 304 runs in five matches at a phenomenal average of 101.3. Her strike rate of 146.85 highlights her aggressive style of play, making her a nightmare for opposing bowlers.
Athapaththu’s consistency is evident in her performances throughout 2024. She is the leading run-scorer in T20Is this year, having accumulated 675 runs at an impressive average of 48.21 and a strike rate of 134.19. Not only did she dominate during the Asia Cup, but she also excelled in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, finishing as the top scorer with 226 runs. With her ability to anchor innings or accelerate at will, Athapaththu’s role will be pivotal as Sri Lanka aims to challenge the best teams in the world.
The Sri Lankan captain was named Player of the Tournament at the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 // Picture Courtesy — Cricket World
KavishaDilhari played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s successful Asia Cup campaign, both with the ball and the bat. Her bowling figures speak volumes about her impact on the tournament — nine wickets in five matches at an average of 12.33, with a best of 2/4. She consistently took two wickets in four consecutive games, including crucial dismissals in the semi-final against Pakistan and the final against India.
Dilhari’s contributions with the bat were equally vital. Batting at №4, she made a key 16-ball 30 in the final, ensuring Sri Lanka chased down India’s total to win the Asia Cup. Her ability to adapt to different match situations, combined with her knack for breaking partnerships, will make her a player to watch during the World Cup. Sri Lanka will rely heavily on her all-round skills as they look to make deep inroads in the tournament.
VishmiGunaratne has shown great promise as an up-and-coming batter for Sri Lanka. She demonstrated her potential in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, where she scored 189 runs in six matches at an average of 47.25, with a strike rate of 105.58. Her highest score of 73* in the tournament showcases her ability to play big innings under pressure.
Though Gunaratne had a brief setback in the Asia Cup final, being run out for just 1, her performances in the Qualifier suggest that she has the potential to deliver on the big stage. As a top-order batter, she will be expected to provide stability and accumulate runs, allowing the power hitters in the middle order to play more freely. Gunaratne’s technical prowess and calm demeanor at the crease could make her a key player for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup.
VishmiGunaratne scored 189 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier // Picture Courtesy — ICC
InoshiPriyadharshani’s role as a spin bowler will be crucial for Sri Lanka in the UAE, where pitches tend to assist slower bowlers. Priyadharshani had an outstanding run in the Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, taking eight wickets in five matches at an average of 9.12 and an economy rate of 3.84. Her best figures of 3/11 underline her ability to be a game-changer, particularly in the middle overs where wickets are essential.
With her disciplined line and length, Priyadharshani can stifle the opposition’s scoring rate and force errors from batters looking to accelerate. As spin bowling is expected to play a vital role in the conditions of the UAE, Priyadharshani’s experience and skill will be invaluable to Sri Lanka’s campaign.
Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team, buoyed by their recent Asia Cup triumph, enters the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with promise. ChamariAthapaththu leads a well-rounded side with key players like KavishaDilhari, VishmiGunaratne and InoshiPriyadharshani all poised to play crucial roles. With their confidence high and a balanced squad, Sri Lanka could be one of the dark horses in the tournament.
