Sri Lanka have plans for Indian batters, says Chamari ahead of crunch T20 World Cup clash

Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu said that the team has plans for the Indian batters ahead of the all-important clash of Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

In Short

• India face Sri Lanka in a must-win clash on October 9
• Sri Lanka are yet to win a match in Women's T20 World Cup 2024
• The two teams will face each other at Dubai International Stadium

Sri Lanka’s early losses to Pakistan and Australia have put them under pressure in a tough Group A, and skipper Chamari Athapaththu knows her team needs to find form quickly. Their next match against India on Wednesday in Dubai is crucial, as both teams are fighting to stay in contention. India, too, is desperate for a win after suffering a heavy defeat against New Zealand in their tournament opener. Athapaththu feels that India’s top-order batters have struggled mainly due to the conditions.

“I know India are a good team, they have good batters, but I feel Shafali (Verma), Smriti (Mandhana), and all have struggled because of the low bounce and the pace,” Athapaththu stated in a press conference on Tuesday.

She highlighted Jemimah Rodrigues as a key player for India in these conditions. “I think the key player is Jemimah (Rodrigues). She's so good with these tracks compared to other batters,” she added.

India vs Sri Lanka: What to expect

Despite a victory against Pakistan, India’s top-order batting lineup hasn’t looked comfortable. Athapaththu pointed out that Sri Lanka’s batters have faced similar challenges and need to play with more freedom.

“I think both teams struggle because the India team is so good with good pace and bounce, and even my team. Because we don't have big arms, big bodies to hit the ball so hard, we need some kind of pace and support from the wicket because we are really good with timing the ball compared to other teams,” she explained.

She emphasized the importance of executing the right plans. “We have to execute our right plan at the right time. That's the most important thing,” she added.

With Sri Lanka failing to cross 100 runs in both their matches, Athapaththu said they are focusing on making technical adjustments and using South Africa’s performances as a model.

“We have to rethink, and adaptation is most important. I saw South Africa adjust to these conditions really well,” she said. “If we take too much pressure on our shoulders, if we take too much information, it’s too hard to play cricket. So, we have to keep it simple and play our fearless cricket.”

Net Run Rate could come into play for both sides in the final group standings, but Athapaththu believes India will prioritize getting a win over chasing an improved NRR.

“I know run rate is important, but I don't think they are trying too many things. They just want to win the game and take two points. That’s the most important thing,” she concluded.