When the schedule was announced, the hosts Australia wouldn’t have thought that they will find themselves in this position. Of Course, India is a tricky team but they are four-time World Cup champions and they are the hosts.
Having said that, Australia did face a loss against India in the league match of the Tri-series which was concluded days before the World Cup. While Australia bounced back to lift the tri-series, they knew they had to be careful.
When Australia take on Sri Lanka, the team will be bringing their A-game to get back on track to produce a huge win. They know what to expect from Sri Lanka and Haynes was right when she said, “We know how dangerous she can be” pointing out Chamari Athapaththu.
Three years ago, Athapaththu smashed 178* against the same team in the 2017 World Cup 50 overs. They do know how tough it is going to be against her.
She can play shots all around the ground and her power-hitting can come in handy here. With support, Sri Lanka can put on a big show. They need bowlers to step up and do the job for them.
Now, that is the problem Sri Lanka would be looking to address. The Australian women’s team has a strong batting line-up and we cannot see them underperform for two consecutive matches.
For Australia, one good thing that came out of the loss against India is that it is a reality check to take everything seriously. The team will be happy to see Healy back on track. Australia would love to see her continue.
While Athapaththu holds the key for Sri Lanka, they have a weakness when it comes to bowling. Something that led them down against New Zealand.
For Australia though, they need their top bowlers to restrict Sri Lanka as much as possible and make sure the team chases it down with ease.
Will Athapaththu take inspiration from her knock against England in the warm-ups?
Australia Women Squad: Alyssa Healy(w), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning(c), Rachael Haynes, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Jess Jonassen, Annabel Sutherland, Delissa Kimmince, Molly Strano, Megan Schutt, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Erin Burns
Sri Lanka Women Squad: Hasini Perera, Chamari Athapaththu(c), Anushka Sanjeewani(w), Harshitha Madavi, Shashikala Siriwardene, Nilakshi de Silva, Ama Kanchana, Kavisha Dilhari, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Dilani Manodara, Hansima Karunaratne, Sathya Sandeepani, Umesha Thimashini
Image courtesy: Matt King/Getty images.
