Sri Lanka to use underdog tag to upset the odds

 Proud moment for Sri Lanka women’s cricket team captain Chamari Athapaththu as she carries the Sri Lanka flag at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Birmingham

• Play England in opening women’s cricket match at CWG today

Sri Lanka opens their Birmingham Commonwealth Games women’s cricket campaign by taking on host England in a night match commencing at 10.30 p.m. today and hope to use their tag as underdogs to upset the odds.

“We take part at an event like this with the intention of winning a medal. We all know the three teams in our group England, New Zealand and South Africa have won matches recently and likewise they have some 5-6 experienced players in their lineup who have played franchise cricket around the world. 

“I am the only one with that experience in our side. But if we play well on the day, we have the chance to win,” said Sri Lanka women’s team captain Chamari Athapaththu in a virtual media conference from Birmingham yesterday. 

“I must emphasise that in the T20 World Cup first round we beat England by chasing down 130 without losing a single wicket. There are a lot of positives like that for us to inspire us. Even against India, we beat them. It’s also a great opportunity for our girls to come and play in England. We are the underdogs and no one expects us to beat them. I am sure if we perform to our potential, we can beat them.”

Chamari had the honour of carrying the national flag at the opening ceremony and said it was a great moment for her.

“I am extremely happy it is the first time I have participated at an event like this as captain and to carry the national flag was an honour.  During my childhood when I was beginning my cricket career, I have seen Damayanthi Darsha and Susanthika Jayasinghe carrying the national flag, I have got the opportunity on this occasion. 

“I am very proud and happy. It is something I can never forget in my life. One of the biggest achievements for a sportsperson is to represent the country. To carry the national flag is in itself a great honour.”

Although England is currently experiencing a heatwave, Chamari said that in the past two days they had experienced cold conditions and as their match is in the evening, she expected it would be helpful to the fast bowlers.

“Our spinners Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoka Ranaweera along with Kavisha Dilhari have been bowling very well. The three of them can bowl on any track. They rank very high with other spinners around the world and they have the ability to perform even on flat tracks. We can make use of that opportunity. We have to get adjusted to the pace and swing in England and we hope to give a good game against them tomorrow.”