NEWS
Follow UsSri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu highlighted the 'lack of power game' among both Indian and Sri Lankan batting as the reason for being unable to post high totals or chase them down in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Speaking in the press conference ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka clash in the World Cup, Chamari said, “I think both teams are struggling because we don't have big arms, big bodies to hit the ball so hard. We need some kind of pace and support from the wicket because we are good with timing the ball.”
“I know it's a big pressure on that game for both teams, but our team has nothing to lose. We are going [with] the underdog tag. I want to play my best cricket and fearless cricket all the time,” she added.
Sri Lanka have lost both their matches in the World Cup and have not been able to cross the 100-run mark even once. This is a do-or-die game for them if they want to have any chance of qualifying for the semi-final. India, on the other hand, would be looking to improve their net run rate if they want to have any chance of making it through to the semis.
Chamari, however, thinks that India will not be playing for net run rate in their must-win game.
“I know run rate is important, but I don't think they are trying too many things. I think they just want to win the game and take two points. That's the most important thing. Because they have another game after this. So, I think they need points rather than run rate,” said the 34-year-old.
India’s next game is against Australia, which would also be their last group-stage game, and the Women in Blue wouldn't want to leave it to the final game to improve their net run-rate.
Sri Lanka recently defeated India in the final of the Asia Cup T20 tournament. Though it was at a different place and in different conditions, with the Lanka team being the hosts, Chamari thinks that it would surely give them confidence to head into the match against India.
“We played really good cricket the last couple of months even against India, Pakistan, England, South Africa and West Indies. We beat some good teams. We beat them on their home soil and our home soil as well. We have to adjust a few things as a batting unit. I hope my girls play their best cricket in the middle tomorrow,” said the left-handed all-rounder.
Asked who her bowlers would target among the Indian batters, Chamari had a surprise pick up her sleeves.
“I know Indians are a good team, they have good batters. I feel Shefali, Smriti and all have struggled because of the low bounce and the pace. The key player is Jemimah. She's so good with these tracks compared to other batters,” she said.
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