Sri Lanka counts on spinners as they face Pakistan

The ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup kicks off today in the UAE, with 10 teams vying for the prestigious title. Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia, and New Zealand are in Group A, while Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and South Africa are in Group B.

The tournament opens with Bangladesh facing Scotland at 3:30 pm at Sharjah, followed by Sri Lanka taking on Pakistan at 7:30 pm (Sri Lanka time) at the same venue.

Initially set to be held in Bangladesh, the tournament was moved to the UAE due to political unrest. Matches will take place in Sharjah and Dubai. Sri Lanka, led by Chamari Athapaththu, plays their first game today against Pakistan. Tomorrow, South Africa faces West Indies at 3:30 pm in Dubai, followed by India vs. New Zealand at 7:30 pm.

Defending champions Australia, six-time winners, are the favourites to retain their title. A total of 23 matches will be played, including knockout stages, leading to the final on the September 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The top two teams from each group will move to the semifinals.

This is Scotland’s first time in the World Cup, while Sri Lanka and Pakistan have competed in all previous editions. Suzie Bates of New Zealand holds the record for the most runs in the series (1,066), and she remains the only player to score over 1,000 runs in the tournament’s history. Australia’s Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry, both lead in wickets with 40, South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail (43 wickets) and England’s Anya Shrubsole (41 wickets) have taken the most wickets in the series.

Suzie Bates of New Zealand holds the record for the most runs in the tournament (1,066) and is the only player to score over 1,000 runs in its history. Australia’s Megan Schutt and Ellyse Perry, both while 40 wickets, while South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail (43 wickets) and England’s Anya Shrubsole (41 wickets) have the most wickets.

Sri Lanka, the reigning Asia Cup champions, enter the tournament after winning both of their warm-up games against Bangladesh and Scotland. Pakistan, on the other hand, lost both of theirs.

Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu said that her team never underestimates any opponent, especially in major tournaments like this. Sri Lanka and Pakistan met in the Asia Cup semifinals, where Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan in Dambulla.

Apart from six-time champions Australia (winners in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2020), England won the inaugural title in 2009, defeating New Zealand, while the West Indies claimed the 2018 title by beating Australia.

Sri Lanka has recently shown strong form, defeating South Africa, New Zealand, and India in the Asia Cup final, boosting their confidence for the World Cup. Along with skipper Chamari Athapaththu, young players like Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari are performing well. Dilhari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, and Sugandika Kumari strengthen Sri Lanka’s spin attack, which will be key in this tournament.

Sri Lanka recently performed well, beating South Africa, New Zealand, and India in the Asia Cup final, heading confidently into the World Cup. Led by Chamari Athapaththu, young players like Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari are also in good form. Their spin bowlers, Dilhari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, and Sugandika Kumari, are key to their strategy.

However, Sri Lanka faces tough competition from Australia, India, and New Zealand in the group stage after their opener against Pakistan.

Past results of the ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup