Sana Mir backs Sri Lanka and Scotland to surprise at Women’s T20 World Cup

Saturday, 11 May 2024 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pakistan legend Sana Mir predicts the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 finalists, Sri Lanka and Scotland, to cause major upsets in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in October.

Sri Lanka defeated Scotland by 68 runs in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 final on 7 May. However, by virtue of being the successful semi-finalists in the competition, both Sri Lanka and Scotland have qualified for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh.

Sana, the brand ambassador of the tournament, praised both sides and predicted big things for them in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.

Sana was impressed with Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run during the tournament, which saw them win all their encounters on the way to the title. Seeing this as a continuation of their recent good run against top-ranked international sides, Sana opined that Chamari Athapaththu’s women could carry this run into the T20 World Cup and even reach the semi-finals.

“Sri Lanka’s dominant performance was a continuation of their exceptional recent run, led by Athapaththu’s heroics,” Sana said. “The series wins against South Africa and New Zealand and a comfortable run in the Qualifier barring the UAE semi-final puts them in great shape ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.”

Sana believed that skipper Athapaththu formed the backbone of the side, and a good run from her can lift the island nation’s fortunes in the event. Athapaththu, the leading run scorer for Sri Lanka in the ODI and T20I formats, also starred in the Qualifier final with a match-winning century.

“Despite a tough group comprising Australia, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, Sri Lanka have the potential to cause upsets and if Athapaththu can deliver in Bangladesh they may surprise a lot of followers of the game and maybe even make it to the semis there.”

Equally impressive was Scotland’s run, who barring their two losses to Sri Lanka, had an inspirational run in the Qualifier. Their high point came in the win over Ireland in the semi-finals, which sealed their spot in the T20 World Cup.

Sana credited Scotland skipper Kathryn Bryce for their performance, and believed that given the right kind of preparation, they could pull off a similar result in Bangladesh. Before missing out the final due to a strain, Kathryn gave a prolific performance for her side, scoring 177 runs at an average of 88.5, while also picking nine wickets at 6.88.

“They were not considered amongst the favourites coming into the tournament, but credit to Kathryn Bryce, her charges, and their support staff for stepping up when it mattered the most.

“Scotland have Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies in their Women’s T20 World Cup group. I feel that they can certainly cause an upset or two, they have about four months to the event, and it all depends on how they use the time to prepare, the work has just begun for them, and I wish them the very best in this exciting journey.”