The stage is set for a crucial Group A encounter between India and Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 World Cup. With both teams facing pressure after early losses, the match promises high-stakes action and a battle for crucial points.
Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu, reflecting on her team’s current position at the bottom of the group with two losses, acknowledged the weight of expectations. “I don’t think I can say that they (Sri Lanka supporters) are happy. They had a lot of expectations from the team and me. They probably thought we’d play the semifinals this year,” she said. However, Athapaththu remains resolute in her team’s determination to turn things around. “This will be a valuable match for me. I have to challenge myself to handle the pressure. I take on the challenge. Let’s see what my team and I can do.”
While Sri Lanka holds a relatively poor record against India, winning only five times in 26 T20Is, they did secure a memorable victory over their opponents in the Women’s Asia Cup just two and a half months ago. In that match, Athapaththu led her team to an eight-wicket win, bringing home a maiden Asia Cup title for Sri Lanka.
Athapaththu has identified key Indian players like Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, and Richa Ghosh as potential targets, acknowledging their struggles on the low-bounce, slower wickets. She believes that Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur are better suited to these conditions and has outlined specific plans for combating their strengths.
India, meanwhile, is dealing with its own set of challenges. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur missed training ahead of the match after a neck injury sustained in the Pakistan game. However, vice-captain Smriti Mandhana confirmed her fitness, providing a boost to India’s lineup. The status of Pooja Vastrakar remains uncertain, with a final decision to be made at the toss.
Mandhana emphasized India’s focus on securing a win and the two points it would bring, while also recognizing the importance of net run rate. “Against Pakistan, I started off fine but consumed a few dot balls which was a bit irritating for me. As batters, we need to be really smart. We can’t go out there thinking we are going to take on this bowling line-up and cruise. Outfield and the conditions are challenging. We should keep the NRR in mind but first of course is the win.”
While Dubai’s pitches have been slightly less challenging than Sharjah’s, the match promises to be a closely fought battle. India must be wary of a Sri Lankan team with nothing to lose and a hunger to prove themselves. The encounter is sure to be a captivating clash as both teams fight for crucial points and a place in the knockout stages.
