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9th December 2001

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Chaminda Vaas who created a new world record capturing 8 for 19 against Zimbabwe is seen in full swing at the SSC yesterday. (Reuter)
Contents

Women smarter?

The confident Sri Lanka women's cricket team will be out to thrash Pakistan in a three match One Day series and a Test match

By Nilika de Silva 
The Sri Lanka women's cricket team is set to play Pakistan in three One Day Internationals and a Test match from December 18 to 31. 

The first one day game will be played at Asgiriya on Dec. 26 while the one day matches in Colombo will be played at the Colts Grounds on December 28 and 30. 

The Test match will take place from Dec. 20 to Dec. 23rd at Colts. 

The principle sponsor for the tour is Singer, while the co-sponsors are Lanka Tiles, and United Motors.

The Kandy Municipal Sports Club is handling the One Day International in Asgiriya, under the supervision of Mr. Harendra Dunuwila, Vice President of the BCCSL. The Sri Lanka women's side which qualified for the finals at the World Cup 2000 played in New Zealand has come forward as a force to contend with in international womens cricket. Emerging last December as a finalist at the World Cup 2000, Sri Lanka was right there with the five big names in womens cricket: New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, England, and India. 

Having started women's cricket in a serious way in 1996, Sri Lanka has already achieved Test status, and played in two World Cup tournaments in 1997 and 2000. 

"It's a dream for me to take the Sri Lanka team across to Lord's and play a few matches," President of the Womens Cricket Association of Sri Lanka, Ms. Gwen Herat, a former Sri Lanka film star populary known as Aysha Weerakone, told The Sunday Times hinting at things to come. 

Five of the cricketers on the Sri Lanka womens side for the Pakistan tour are those who represented SL at both the previous World Cups. These include Ramani Perera, Suthershini Sivanantham, Chamani Seneviratne, Thanuja Ekanayake and Hiruka Fernando. 

The Sri Lankan side is captained by Suthershini Sivanantham, who was vice captain at the World Cup 2000 in New Zealand, while Pakistan is captained by Shaiza Khan. 

Pakistan too is retaining most of the World Cup Players plus a few new comers. In 1998 too the Pakistan women's team came to Sri Lanka and played three ODIs and a Test match. 

This time the Pakistan team is stronger, with new faces and promises an exciting tour for the ardent cricket fans of Sri Lanka.

President of the Womens Cricket Association of Sri Lanka, Gwen Herat expressed gratitude to the Pakistan team for having agreed to the tour at short notice. 

Busy preparing for the upcoming Pakistan tour, the Sri Lankan side is facing changes as long time coach Guy de Alwis stepped down after the World Cup 2000 and Coach Nihal Kodituwakku has taken over from him. 

A very confident Captain, Suthershini said, "We are hoping to win all the matches. The girls are very confident, and they are giving their full potential to me," she said, speaking to the Sunday Times as the team practiced at the indoor nets at the NCC. 

Secretary, Women's Cricket Association of Sri Lanka, Ms. M.C. Munaweera, was thankful to SSC and SL cricket foundation for the indoor nets. 

Practice matches are lined up for the team as it prepares for the upcoming tour. The team is scheduled to play a powerful under 17 boy's team from Joseph Vaz College. 

Calling for sponsors to come forward and give the boost to women's cricket Founder President of the Association Ms. Herath stressed, "We need big sponsors." On the cards is the next World Cup to take place in South Africa 2004.

Team
The Sri Lanka Team for the Pakistan tour comprises, Suthershini Sivanantham (Captain), Chamani Seneviratne (Vice Captain), Ramani Perera (wicket keeper, right arm leg spinner), Hiruka Fernando (left arm bat, opening bat), Hiroshi Abeysinghe (spinner), Gayathri Kariyawasam (fast bowler), Thanuja Ekanayake (wicket keeper) Sandamali Dolewatte, Rose Fernando, Janakanthi Mala, Randika Galhenage, Vasanthi Ratnayake, Lalani Priyadarshani (right arm fast bowler), Indika Kankanage (right arm fast bowler and middle order batsman).


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