An important series ahead of ICC Women’s WC
With the ICC Women’s World Cup just five months away, the Sri Lanka women’s cricket team is ready to sharpen their blades as they host a One Day International (ODI) series, the Sri Lanka Women’s Tri-Nation Series, starting today at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. The islanders will face India women at 10:00am in the opening match of this all-important series, which also features South Africa. All matches are day games and will be played at the same venue, with free entry for spectators, thanks to title sponsor Lanka IOC’s world-class lubricant brand Servo.
Skippers of the three teams with the Tri-Nation Trophy - SLC
For Sri Lanka, this is the perfect stage to test their firepower before the big show in India later this year. Leading from the front is fearless skipper Chamari Athapaththu, backed by a balanced side blending experience with youth. The selectors have thrown a new hat into the ring by picking Under-19 captain Manudi Nanayakkara and her deputy Rashmika Sewwandi, adding fresh legs and energy to the squad.
“This Tri-Series comes at a perfect time for us in the subcontinent,” said South African captain Laura Wolvaardt, who celebrated her birthday yesterday.
“Spending time here is crucial with the World Cup in India on the horizon.”
“It’s a great opportunity to play with two of the best teams around,” Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur echoed similar thoughts.
The rivalry is also one to watch. The last time Sri Lanka faced India in a major contest, the islanders stunned them in the Asia Cup T20 final in Dambulla. Meanwhile, South Africa returns to Sri Lankan shores after seven years, eager to settle old scores.
Chamari Athapaththu urged fans to fill the stands and back the islanders; “We want our people behind us,” she said.
| Women’s Tri-Series Itinerary (All matches played at RPICS from 10:00am) April 27: Sri Lanka vs India April 29: South Africa vs India May 2: Sri Lanka vs South Africa May 4: Sri Lanka vs India May 7: South Africa vs India May 9: Sri Lanka vs South Africa May 11: Final | |