Predicting Sri Lanka’s playing XI against Australia in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Sri Lankan women will start their Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Australian women. It will not be the best team for them to have their first match against. But it will provide them an opportunity to put their strongest foot forward right from the word go. They have a task cut out.

Sri Lankan women’s team will be high on confidence having beaten the Indian team in the final of the Asia Cup earlier this year. But playing in the T20 World Cup will be a different cup of tea. They have talented players who form a good team that can challenge the best teams in the world.

Here’s Sri Lanka Women’s playing XI against Australia –

Top order – Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), and Harshitha Samarawickrama

Sri Lanka has some talented players at the top. While at number 3 they have Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Vishmi Gunaratne will open the innings. The duo have to play a significant role to help Chamari Athapaththu at the other end. On slow pitches, they could well come to the party.

But the batting of Sri Lanka must be more or less carried by Chamari Athapaththu. She is Sri Lanka’s star and the only proven matchwinner as a batter against top teams in the world in a major tournament like the World Cup. She will also be leading the side and be handy as a bowler if required.

Middle Order – Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, and Nilakshi De Silva

At number 4, SL is likely to continue with Hasini Perera. On her day, she can win matches for her side. Her exposure to some of the best players in the world could be important for the Sri Lankan side. At number 5, SL could play Kavisha Dilhari.

The emerging players can anchor the innings from her end and allow others to bat around her. To follow her would be Nilakshi De Silva. She can finish the games well with her striking ability. For a side like SL, her impetus as a batter will be important.

Lower Middle Order – Anushka Sanjeewani (WK) and Sachini Nisansala

In the lower middle order, SL has players who can help the balance of the side. Their wicketkeeper, Anushka Sanjeewani bats lower down the order at 7. While she isn’t an impressive batter, her wicket-keeping skills could be handy in conditions like UAE’s Dubai and Sharjah.

SL is likely to have Sachin Nisansala at 8 who can be handy as a lower middle order batter. As a bowler, she can bowl 4 overs and contain some runs. Her major job would be as a bowler. As a batter, she can add some runs.

Bowlers – Sugandika Kumari, Shashini Gimhani, and Udeshika Prabodhani

Sri Lanka is a spin-dependent bowling attack which might not be bad in the ongoing tournament. In UAE, spinners more or less win you the games. The Asian Champions have quality spinners who can make a difference with the ball in their hand. Their attack consists of Sugandika Kumari, Shashini Gimhani, and Udeshika Prabodhani.

The trio can be put under a challenge by capable batters of Australia. But the key would be to analyze the nature of the wicket. Picking wickets at regular intervals would be key. For SL to have any chance to beat Australia, the spinners must step up in the likely helpful conditions.

Sri Lanka’s playing XI against Australia –

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari, Shashini Gimhani, and Udeshika Prabodhani