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In a high-stakes clash, India faces a complex challenge against a formidable Sri Lanka. The match is set against a backdrop of intense rivalry and high expectations, with both teams showcasing exceptional talent and strategic depth. As India gears up to navigate this tough encounter, players will need to rise to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen to secure victory against a well-prepared Sri Lankan side.
The criticism surrounding India’s batting lineup, which faltered during a chase of 160 against New Zealand and struggled to secure a straightforward victory against Pakistan, does not concern Chamari Athapaththu. She recognizes that Sri Lanka’s top order has fallen short of expectations and is equally susceptible to India’s formidable bowling attack.
With losses in both matches played in Sharjah thus far, Sri Lanka’s path to the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals will only become more challenging as the group stage progresses. Nevertheless, Athapaththu remains optimistic, asserting that “the sun comes up regardless every morning.” As it rises on Wednesday (October 9) in Dubai, Sri Lanka will take the field, understanding that their underdog status can serve as a liberating force in their Group A clash against India. This is the same mentality that Athapaththu and her team adopted during the Asia Cup final in July, leading them to a historic victory in a record chase.
Having thoroughly tested their dominance in Asian cricket in Dambulla, Harmanpreet Kaur and her team will seek ruthless retribution in what has become a must-win match for India. To rejuvenate their bid for a top-two finish, they require every available point and significantly improve their net run rate to fend off challenges from Pakistan and New Zealand. India’s prior experience playing in Dubai will be invaluable compared to Sri Lanka, which will be making its World Cup debut at this venue.
Crucially, India’s captain has fully recovered from a neck sprain ahead of this pivotal clash, meaning the squad of 15 will be available if Pooja Vastrakar, who trained and bowled the day before the match, clears her fitness test. After being caught off guard by New Zealand, India will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to reclaim their momentum.
In their 25-match T20I history, India leads Sri Lanka 19-5 (with one no-result). However, Sri Lanka’s most recent victory has added context to a rivalry that can no longer be one-sided. Athapaththu and her team will aim to replicate that success, striving to uphold their status as reigning Asian Cup champions or at least create some chaos in the Group before what appears to be an inevitable exit following two significant defeats.
When: October 9 at 6 PM Local | 7:30 PM IST
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
What to expect: New Zealand are the only team to win a game in Dubai after batting first. South Africa, meanwhile, is the only team that has opted to field first.
On Monday, a select group of Indian team batters took to the practice field, even though it was designated as a rest day. While Smriti Mandhana noted that Harmanpreet Kaur has made a good recovery from her neck sprain, the captain was notably absent from India’s match-eve nets. Pooja Vastrakar, who missed the match against Pakistan due to a minor injury, returned to training and is expected to be evaluated by the medical team on the morning of the game for a final decision regarding her fitness.
Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur/Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Deepti Sharma, S. Sajana/Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Shreyanka Patil, Asha Sobhana, Renuka Thakur.
Sri Lanka has been granted back-to-back afternoon training slots at the ICC Academy ahead of their first match in the city, and a full-strength squad has participated in both sessions. For their game against Australia, they replaced their young left-arm spinner with the more experienced Inoka Ranaweera, and she is likely to remain in the lineup for the upcoming match against India.
Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoka Ranaweera.
“I know that my failure has a huge effect on the team. So, I think as the most senior player and the captain, I want to give that [solid platform] to my team and the country. I think there are a lot of people in Sri Lanka who want me [to] play in my best form. I like that pressure and that challenge. I can do something big for my team and country [at the top of the order], and my fellow team members will also help me there. We have nothing to lose; we have to get things done. There is pressure [but] we have to be able to handle it.” – Sri Lanka’s superstar captain Chamari Athapaththu knows the value of her wicket
“Except for the New Zealand match, we haven’t seen any team go over 140 in the tournament. [About] 135-140 – be it a day or night game. That says a lot about the conditions.” – India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana asked if the conditions differed during a day game versus at night.
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