Sri Lanka take on defending champs Australia today

• Two unbeaten sides clash for semi-final spot in Women’s T20 WC

Two unbeaten sides from Group 1 defending champions Australia and Sri Lanka will figure in a top of the table clash in an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match at Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) today, where the winner will be assured of a berth in the semi-finals.

Speaking about Sri Lanka’s approach to this all-important game, Sri Lanka women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu said at the pre-match media conference: “Actually, in the last two games we played positive cricket. We have to continue this form in the next couple of games. We know Australia is a very good side, but we know our skill, and we back it. The team and all the teammates are in a good positive mindset, hopefully we can play good cricket tomorrow.”

“We have a good batting line up because all the batters are in form and the bowlers are doing really well. We know Australia is one of the best teams in the world, but on a particular day who plays good cricket, that team will be in the game. So, I don’t think about the ranking and the name of Australia, but I try to play positive cricket and I always try to lead from the front.”

Commenting on the conditions they have experienced so far in South Africa, Athapaththu said: “I think that the conditions here are good for our side because I feel the wicket is a bit slow and has less bounce. It’s really good for us because we have good spinners and the wicket is familiar to us because it’s like a subcontinent wicket.”

When reminded of the spectacular innings she played against Australia in the 2020 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup, where they struggled to get over the line, Athapaththu said: “We did really well in the 2020 World Cup. We played good cricket against Australia and they won in the last over. The girls know that, they have good positive vibes in the team. This game is very crucial for both teams so we don’t have any pressure because we are the underdogs.”

“Australia is a champion team so they have pressure from their side but not for us. We take no risks tomorrow, just play our natural game, no pressure from my side. I don’t want to take any pressure and I just play my natural game, not only me, but the entire team. The team is focused on tomorrow’s game and playing good cricket. We’ll try our best to beat the champions.”