Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team Opts for Youthful Squad for New Zealand Tour
Sri Lanka’s Women’s Cricket Team is gearing up for their upcoming tour of New Zealand, which includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). In a surprising move, the team has decided to exclude left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera and seam-bowling allrounder Ama Kanchana from the squad for this crucial series. Along with them, batter Hasini Perera and 16-year-old left-arm wristspinner Shashini Gambini are also missing from the roster for the 2024 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka’s last international assignment.
Adding a fresh perspective to the team are some promising young talents. Manudi Nanayakkara and Rashmika Sewwandi, who showcased their skills in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, have received their call-up to the senior squad. While Nanayakkara is set to make her debut, Sewandi had been part of the squad for the home T20Is against West Indies last year but did not get a chance to play. Another newcomer in the squad is 23-year-old Chethana Vimukthi, marking her first appearance at the international level. On the other hand, Imesha Dulani and Kaushini Nuthyangana bring in a bit more experience with five caps each, while Sachini Nisansala has 19 international appearances under her belt.
The team will be banking on a familiar top order led by captain Chamari Athapaththu, alongside Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne. Despite her young age of only 19, Gunaratne has already showcased her prowess in 18 ODIs and 47 T20Is. Athapaththu, on the other hand, is currently participating in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India as a part of the UP Warriorz team, with the tournament running until March 15.
The Sri Lankan squad is scheduled to depart for New Zealand on February 22. They will have the opportunity to acclimatize with two warm-up matches in Lincoln on February 27 and 28 before the commencement of the ODI series in Napier on March 4. The subsequent ODIs will be hosted in Nelson on March 7 and 9. Following the ODI leg, the teams will shift gears to the T20Is, with the first two matches set to take place in Christchurch on March 14 and 16. The tour will conclude in Dunedin on March 18.
Young Blood Injected into the Squad
The decision to include promising young talents such as Manudi Nanayakkara and Rashmika Sewwandi signals a shift towards nurturing the future of Sri Lankan women’s cricket. With the exclusion of seasoned players like Inoka Ranaweera and Ama Kanchana, the team is banking on the energy and enthusiasm of youth to propel them forward in the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Familiar Faces Leading the Charge
Despite the infusion of young talent, Sri Lanka will rely on the experienced leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Vishmi Gunaratne to guide the team through the challenges of international cricket. Their wealth of experience and proven track record will serve as a solid foundation for the team’s performance in the ODIs and T20Is against New Zealand.
As the Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket Team prepares to embark on their tour of New Zealand, the absence of key players like Inoka Ranaweera and Ama Kanchana is balanced by the fresh energy of emerging talents. With a blend of youth and experience, the team is poised to make a mark in the upcoming series, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive showdown on the cricket field.
