Series crucial for both teams ahead of World Cup – Chamari

From left: Captains Suzie Bates (New Zealand) and Chamari Athapaththu  (Sri Lanka) with the WODI series trophy which will be awarded to the winners

• Sri Lanka take on New Zealand in 3-match WODI series today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka’s versatile and experienced women’s cricket Captain Chamari Athapaththu is of the view that the upcoming three-match WODI series against New Zealand starting at Napier today is crucial for both teams in their preparation for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India in October.

“We have already qualified for the World Cup and New Zealand as well. This series is important for both teams as we can prepare for the World Cup,” said Athapaththu in a pre-match media conference. “The World Cup is going to be held in India in different conditions but every game is crucial for both teams. We have brought a young team to give opportunities to the youngsters; I hope they take the opportunity to play for Sri Lanka and the World Cup. The series is crucial for both teams and I hope we can play our best cricket in these conditions.”

For Sri Lanka to be successful, they will need Athapaththu, a fearless top order batter, to be at her best. She has not been in the best of form but it takes just one innings from her to get out of her shell. She will play an important role for Sri Lanka with the bat in the upcoming matches.

One thing that stands in favour of Athapaththu is that she has spent two seasons in New Zealand playing in their Women’s Super Smash and knows the conditions and the pitches. “It is a familiar country for me because I have played two seasons in the Super Smash, but half of our girls are very young and it is different conditions for them. We are enjoying the nice facilities and the hospitality and good cricket conditions,” said Athapaththu.

“Compared to Sri Lanka, it is different – the weather conditions and the ground conditions; very green tracks with pace and bounce, but as a team, we have to adjust to these conditions. The last two days, the weather has been good, similar to Sri Lanka – hopefully, tomorrow as well.”

Sri Lanka have not had any international cricket for the past six months but Athapaththu said that the players have been involved in playing domestic cricket and selection matches and are in a fresh mindset to play their best cricket.

Sri Lanka will miss their senior fast bowler Udeshika Prabodhani through injury. She has been replaced by uncapped 24-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Matara, Malki Madara.

“Half of the girls are very young. We have two Under-19 girls, Manudi Nanayakkara and Rashmika Sewwandi, who are both really good up and coming talent. There is Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Kavisha Dilhari. I hope they will play fearless cricket. We don’t want to take too much pressure because we have a good mix of experience and young talent,” said Athapaththu.

17-year-old Manudi Nanayakkara, Sri Lanka’s Under-19 Captain, has shown early form with both bat and ball in the two practice matches, and stands a very good chance of winning her first WODI cap today.

New Zealand are without several key players due to unavailability or injuries. Suzie Bates is their stand-in captain for Sophie Devine, who has taken a break from the game. They are also minus Amelia Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair and Molly Penfold, Hayley Jensen, and Bella James.

“New Zealand are playing in their home conditions. Their attack is suited to these conditions in batting and bowling. They know how to play their game in their own conditions. That is the biggest challenge for every player, but we will take it,” said Athapaththu.

“Suzie has a lot of experience and Maddy Green [too]. I know New Zealand miss Amelia Kerr and Sophie but they have a young and experienced side compared to ours. We want to play our best cricket, giving opportunities to the youngsters, and execute our plans at the right time.”

Sri Lanka has won only two WODIs against New Zealand’s 11 in the 13 matches played between the two sides. The two wins for Sri Lanka came in their 2-1 win over New Zealand in the last bilateral series played in 2023 in Sri Lanka. New Zealand are currently placed fifth in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings and Sri Lanka seventh.

The second and third WODI will be played at Nelson on 7 and 9 March.