The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup will start from July 19, 2024, and ends on July 28, 2024. This year, the games will be hosted in Sri Lanka and there will be a total of 15 games played, this includes the two semi-finals and the final. All the games will be hosted by the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
The Asia Cup will feature 8 teams across two groups
|
Group A |
Group B |
|
India |
Sri Lanka |
|
Pakistan |
Bangladesh |
|
Nepal |
Malaysia |
|
UAE |
Thailand |
How is Sri Lanka placed for the Women’s Asia Cup 2024?
Sri Lanka is placed in Group B alongside Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand for the group stage games.
What are Sri Lanka’s fixtures?
|
Date |
Fixture |
Venue |
Time (In IST) |
|
20th July |
Vs Bangladesh |
Dambulla stadium, Dambulla |
7:00 PM |
|
22nd July |
Vs Malaysia |
Dambulla stadium, Dambulla |
2:00 PM |
|
28th July |
Vs Thailand |
Dambulla stadium, Dambulla |
7:00 PM |
How did Sri Lanka fare in the last Asia Cup 2022?
Sri Lanka lost the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup final to India, finishing as runners-up. They played very well throughout the tournament. Inoka Ranaweera showed a standout performance from Sri Lanka, displaying exceptional bowling and topping the bowling chart alongside Deepti Sharma with 13 wickets.
While Sri Lanka has never won the title in the previous 8 editions of the Women’s Asia Cup, they have had multiple runners-up finishes.
What is Sri Lanka’s Squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2024?
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Ama Kanchana, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Shashini Gimhani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala
SWOT analysis of Sri Lanka’s squad for Women’s Asia Cup 2024?
Strengths of Sri Lanka squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
The top order is in good form:
Sri Lanka boasts a formidable top order, blending youth and experience to create a potent batting lineup. Rising star Vishmi Gunaratne brings fresh talent and potential, while veteran Chamari Athapaththu provides leadership and world-class batting skills. Their partnership at the top has given Sri Lanka a strong foundation in matches, often setting the tone for competitive totals or successful run chases.
Experienced spin bowling attack:
Sri Lanka enters the 2024 Asia Cup with a potent spin bowling arsenal, which has proven to be their trump card in recent T20 Internationals. The experienced spin contingent, led by veterans like Kavisha Dilhari, Sugandika Kumari, and Inoshi Priyadharshani, has consistently delivered wickets and controlled the run rate in crucial matches. Their ability to exploit subcontinent conditions, coupled with variations in flight, pace, and turn, has troubled even the most accomplished batters. This spin-heavy attack gives Sri Lanka a significant advantage, particularly on turning tracks, and could be the key to their success in the tournament.
Weaknesses of the Sri Lanka squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Over Dependence on the top order:
An important weakness for this team heading into the 2024 Asia Cup is their over-dependence on the top-order batters. While players like Chamari Athapaththu have been consistent run-scorers, the middle order has struggled to contribute significantly in recent matches. This lack of depth in batting has often led to collapses when the top order fails to fire, putting undue pressure on the team. The inability of the middle order to accelerate or stabilize innings in crucial situations has cost Sri Lanka matches and could prove to be a significant disadvantage in the competitive environment of the Asia Cup, especially against stronger bowling attacks.
Lack of wickets with new ball in pace bowling:
Sri Lanka’s pace bowling unit remains a concern heading into the 2024 Asia Cup. Their fast bowlers have struggled to make early breakthroughs with the new ball, often failing to put pressure on opposition openers. This lack of penetration in the powerplay overs has allowed opposing teams to build strong foundations, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot.
Opportunities of Sri Lanka squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Big Chance for middle order:
Sri Lanka’s middle order has a golden opportunity to make a significant impact in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, particularly during crucial slogovers. This presents a chance for these batters to showcase their ability to accelerate scoring and finish innings strongly. If they can consistently capitalize on this opportunity it could provide Sri Lanka with a competitive total.
Opportunity for the young players:
The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 offers a valuable platform for Sri Lanka’s young players like Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, and Shashini Gimhani to gain crucial experience in a major tournament setting. This exposure can accelerate their development, helping them adapt to high-pressure situations and international competition. Strong performances from these emerging talents could not only contribute to the team’s success in the tournament but also strengthen Sri Lanka’s squad depth for future competitions
Threats of Sri Lanka squad selected for Women’s Asia Cup 2024:
Over-reliance on spinners:
Sri Lanka’s over-reliance on spin bowlers for crucial breakthroughs poses a significant threat to their Asia Cup 2024 campaign. The pacers’ inability to take wickets consistently in recent T20Is has put excessive pressure on the spin department. This imbalance in the bowling attack could be exploited by opposing teams, especially those adept at playing spin. If conditions don’t favor spin or if the spinners have an off day, Sri Lanka may struggle to control matches, potentially undermining their tournament prospects.
Poor fielding:
Sri Lanka faces a significant threat in their fielding performance heading into the 2024 Asia Cup. Poor outfield ground fielding and catching could prove costly, potentially leaking extra runs in tight matches. This weakness not only puts additional pressure on the bowlers but also weakens the team’s morale.