Can the Upcoming World Cup Propel Sri Lanka to New Heights? Insights from Captain Chamari Athapaththu
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Synopsis
Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu shares her team's preparations for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, highlighting their strengths and the significance of competing on home soil. Can they raise their standards and achieve greatness?
Key Takeaways
- Chamari Athapaththu expresses confidence in her team's ability to perform well.
- The team is well-acquainted with sub-continent conditions.
- A blend of youth and experience is pivotal for their success.
- Respect for all opponents is crucial as they prepare for the World Cup.
- Home support can significantly boost team morale and performance.
Dubai, Sep 18 (NationPress) Sri Lanka's captain Chamari Athapaththu shared insights regarding her team's preparations for the forthcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka. She expressed optimism about her team performing admirably in this prestigious tournament.
While conversing with the International Cricket Council (ICC), Athapaththu highlighted that the team is well-acquainted with the sub-continent's conditions, which could provide them with a significant advantage over their rivals in India.
“The sub-continent conditions are something we are accustomed to, and I believe that will give us a crucial edge. With the experience of our senior players and a healthy mix of youth and maturity, this year's World Cup represents a genuine opportunity for us to excel. We also aim to elevate our standards to unprecedented heights during this tournament,” Athapaththu remarked.
She acknowledged the significance of competing in a World Cup and recognized that every participating team is vying for the ultimate prize. Emphasizing the need for respect towards all opponents, Athapaththu stated:
“Every team in this World Cup is here to win, so we won't take anyone lightly. We will approach every match with the same level of respect and give our utmost in each game, starting with our opening match against India in Guwahati on September 30. Playing in front of our home fans is a tremendous advantage and a wonderful opportunity for us.”
Reflecting on the team's evolution in the sport over the years, the 35-year-old captain noted the significant progress they have made. She reminisced about their victory over the then-defending champions England in 2013, considering it one of Sri Lanka's outstanding accomplishments. Athapaththu conveyed:
“Sri Lankan cricket has made remarkable strides since the 1990s, participating in several World Cups along the way. In my experience, I can assert that we have matured significantly as a team. The 2013 victories against England and India were pivotal moments for us in World Cup history. I believe we have only improved since then, and we are ready to compete with any team globally.”
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the progress Sri Lanka has made in women's cricket. Under Chamari Athapaththu's leadership, the team embodies the qualities of resilience and determination. Their familiarity with local conditions could indeed be a game-changer in the upcoming World Cup. The nation stands behind them, supporting their quest for excellence on the global stage.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chamari Athapaththu's thoughts on the World Cup?
Chamari Athapaththu believes that the upcoming World Cup offers a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to showcase their talent and raise their performance standards.
How does the team prepare for the World Cup?
The team has been focusing on their strengths and adapting to sub-continent conditions to gain an advantage over their opponents.
What was a notable achievement for Sri Lanka in past World Cups?
A major highlight was defeating the defending champions England in 2013, which Athapaththu cites as one of their best performances.
