Sri Lanka’s women’s cricket team has made a significant change to its squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024, recalling experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera while omitting young seamer Kawya Kavindi.
Ranaweera, 38, has been a mainstay of the Sri Lankan team for over a decade, with 91 T20I wickets to her name. Her inclusion is seen as a strategic move, given the spin-friendly conditions expected in the UAE, where the tournament will be held.
Despite her experience, Ranaweera’s bowling has not been particularly penetrative in the shortest format this year. However, her economy rate of 5.86 and ability to control the run rate make her a valuable asset.
Kavindi’s omission leaves Sri Lanka with just three main seam-bowling options in their World Cup squad: Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Ama Kanchana. This could be a concern, especially considering the strength of the opposition in Group A, which includes Australia, India, and New Zealand.
On the batting front, Sri Lanka boasts a formidable lineup led by captain Chamari Athapaththu. Harshitha Samarawickrama and 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne have also been in impressive form, giving the team confidence that they can compete with the best in the world.
Sri Lanka’s triumph in the recent Asia Cup has further boosted their morale and given them a belief that they can reach the final four of the T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to begin on October 3, and Sri Lanka will be eager to make a strong statement in their opening match against Pakistan.
