The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be an exciting tournament for cricket fans worldwide. Taking place from October 3 to October 20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the competition will feature 10 top teams battling for the prestigious title in women’s cricket. Defending champions Australia are among the contenders, making the tournament highly competitive and thrilling, with exceptional talent on display.
In this article, we will highlight Sri Lanka’s 2024 ICC Women’s T20 schedule, key matches, and predictions for their performance in this World Cup.
Tournament Overview and Group Stages
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is divided into two groups:
- Group A: Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
- Group B: England, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland
The tournament features group-stage matches, followed by semi-finals and the final. Group matches will run from October 3 to October 15, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals on October 17 and 18. The final is set for October 20, and fans are eagerly awaiting which teams will make it through and claim the championship.
Australia, the dominant force in women’s T20 cricket, has won six of the eight editions of the tournament. However, strong teams like India, South Africa, and England are also top contenders, each capable of securing victories.
Sri Lanka’s Campaign So Far: Matches and Performance
Sri Lanka entered the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with high hopes, but their journey in Group A has been challenging. Despite their resilience, they have faced tough defeats from some of the world’s best teams.
- October 3, 2024 – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s campaign began with a match against Pakistan at Sharjah. Pakistan posted 116 runs in their innings, and Sri Lanka fell short, managing only 85/9 in 20 overs. Pakistan won by 31 runs, and this defeat set a tough tone for Sri Lanka’s tournament.
- October 5, 2024 – Australia vs Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka faced a formidable opponent in Australia at Sharjah. Despite a fighting effort, Sri Lanka could only score 93/7 in their 20 overs, while Australia chased down the target comfortably, scoring 94/4 in 14.2 overs. Australia won by 6 wickets, leaving Sri Lanka winless after two games.
- October 9, 2024 – India vs Sri Lanka: In Dubai, India dominated Sri Lanka, scoring 172/3 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka struggled to keep pace, and they were bowled out for 90 in 19.5 overs. India secured an 82-run victory, further diminishing Sri Lanka’s hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.
- October 12, 2024 – New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: In their final group-stage match at Sharjah, Sri Lanka faced New Zealand. Sri Lanka put up a better fight in this game, scoring 115/5 in their 20 overs. However, New Zealand chased the target comfortably, scoring 118/2 in just 17.3 overs and winning by 8 wickets.
As of October 12, Sri Lanka has lost all four of their group-stage matches, placing them at the bottom of Group A. With no wins and a negative net run rate, their chances of advancing to the semi-finals have been eliminated.
Key Players for Sri Lanka
Despite their losses, Sri Lanka has shown flashes of individual brilliance. Some key players for Sri Lanka include:
- Chamari Athapaththu: The captain and star batter for Sri Lanka, Athapaththu is known for her aggressive batting style. She has led Sri Lanka’s charge in several T20 World Cups and remains their most dependable player.
- Inoka Ranaweera: A key bowler for Sri Lanka, Ranaweera’s ability to take wickets in the middle overs has been vital for the team.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama: A talented all-rounder, Samarawickrama has shown potential with both bat and ball and is considered a key player for the team’s future.
Predictions for Sri Lanka’s Future in T20 Cricket
While Sri Lanka has faced a challenging campaign in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, their future in women’s cricket remains bright. The T20 format is known for its unpredictability, and Sri Lanka has the potential to bounce back in future tournaments. With the right team development and focus on nurturing young talent, Sri Lanka could become a stronger contender in the coming years.
The inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could provide further opportunities for growth. With the global spotlight on women’s cricket and increased investment in the sport, Sri Lanka has the chance to improve their standings on the international stage. Developing a deeper player pool and improving their domestic T20 structure will be crucial for their success in future ICC tournaments and the Olympics.
Group A Standings (as of October 12, 2024)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Tied | Net Run Rate | Points |
| 1 | Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | +2.786 | 6 |
| 2 | India | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +0.576 | 4 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +0.282 | 4 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | – 0.488 | 2 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | – 2.173 | 0 |
With no wins in the group stage, Sri Lanka’s journey in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will end in the group stages. However, the experience gained from playing against top teams like Australia, India, and New Zealand will serve as valuable lessons for the future.
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has been a tough tournament for Sri Lanka, but their participation highlights the importance of perseverance and continued development in women’s cricket. While they were unable to secure a win in this edition, the experience will undoubtedly help them build a stronger foundation for future competitions. With key players like Chamari Athapaththu leading the way, Sri Lanka has the potential to make a greater impact in the coming years.
As the Women’s T20 World Cup moves into its thrilling semi-finals and finals, cricket fans are eager for intense matchups among top teams. While Sri Lanka may not compete in the knockout stages, their participation is vital for women’s cricket’s growth. For fans looking to engage more, MCW Online Casino offers an exciting platform for betting on your favorite teams. Sign up today to enhance your cricket experience!
