What has been a dream run for India Women in this tournament so far; at the same time, it’s been a nightmare for their next counterpart, Sri Lanka.
While India are placed on the top of the points table after winning all of their three fixtures (separated from Australia based on the better net run rate), SL Women’s team is on 6th spot after losing all of the three till now.
Today we are going to discuss some important facts regarding both the teams before they meet each other in their next fixture.
The stage is set for the Match No 14 of 2017 edition of Women’s World Cup between India and Sri Lanka. The match will start at 3PM (IST) at Derby, England (same ground where India defeated Pakistan Women a couple of days ago)
Both the teams are meeting for the second time in this event. Earlier, India defeated SL Women in the warm up match by a huge margin of 109 runs. Some of the major positives from that game for India, are as follows:-
1. Top three batters (Smriti Mandhana, Mithali Raj and Punam Raut ) played very well scoring their respective half centuries.
2. Rajeshwari Gayakwad bowled an excellent spell of 7 overs, took 4 wickets conceding only 12 runs.
3. Ekta Bisht (player of the match of India-Pak match) along with Shikha Pandey bowled very economically in this game.
As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, four of its top order batters (Dilani Manodara, P. Weerakkody, Chamari Atapattu and Hasini Perera) got starts but could not capitalise on it.
Taking a look at all the head-on matches of India and Sri Lanka, both the teams have met four times in Women’s World Cup event till date. The facts and results of the same are summarised below:-
1. 2000-01 – India won by 141 runs (Key player – Anjum Chopra)
2. 2004-05 – No result as the match was abandoned after two overs of the 2nd innings due to rain
3. 2009 – India won by 35 runs (Key player – Jhulan Goswami)
4. 2013 – Sri Lanka won by 138 runs.
In 2013, SL Women posted a huge total of 282/5 due to the four most crucial half century stands among their batters. Although, India’s Jhulan Goswami took 3 wickets but was very expensive. SL batters hit Indian bowlers easily all over the ground at their will.
In return, the entire Indian team got out for only 144 runs, thus losing the match.
Going in this game, India has six key players, namely, S. Mandhana, Captain M. Raj, Punam Raut, Deepti Sharma, Ekta Bisht and Jhulan Goswami.
Important to be noted that Goswami at times has proved to be trump card for India mainly when top order batters fail to deliver and put up some crucial runs on the board.
Special attention to be given to the fielding abilities of Indians as they have done nine (9) run outs in this event so far including two against SL in the warm up game.
Led by Inoka Ranaweera, Sri Lankan team seems to be highly dependent mainly on Chamari Atapattu in batting and Sripali Weerakkody in bowling.
It has been a sensational tournament for hitter C. Atapattu who struck a brilliant 178 off 143 balls against Australia the other day.
Also, all rounder Shashikala Siriwardene is one of the key players for SL.
Studying all the facts and figures, it’s pretty much clear that India Women are entering this game as favourites but they have to be careful enough so as to avoid 2013 results.
Given the conditions in England are completely different from those in India, we hope that India continues its unbeaten run in this game also.
Wishing them all the best, it’s time to take a leave now. Keep watching all the live action only on Star Sports and Hotstar.
‘Gully’ cricket player and close observer of Indian Cricket team and it’s matches. Straight forward and still socially admirable personality. Strong belief in teamwork and possess high leadership skills.