The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has unveiled the 15-member national women’s squad set to compete in the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier 2024. Led by Chamari Athapaththi, the team comprises seasoned players along with a promising newcomer, Shashini Gimhani.
Athapaththi, a stalwart of Sri Lankan cricket, will spearhead the squad’s campaign, bringing her wealth of experience to the forefront. Notably, all selected players, barring Gimhani, have previously represented Sri Lanka, with many currently engaged in a white-ball series against South Africa.
The inclusion of 15-year-old left-arm wrist-spinner Gimhani marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning cricket career. Her stellar performance in the recent Women’s Under-19 Tri-Nation Series against England and Australia, where she clinched 7 wickets, has earned her a well-deserved call-up to the national team.
Scheduled to commence from April 25th to May 7th, 2024, in Abu Dhabi, the Global Qualifier will feature ten teams vying for two coveted spots in the main event—the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to take place in Bangladesh later in the year.
The participating teams, including Sri Lanka, will be divided into two groups, each brimming with talent and competitiveness. Sri Lanka finds itself in Group A alongside Thailand, Scotland, Uganda, and the USA, setting the stage for thrilling encounters and fierce competition.
Preparations are already underway as the Sri Lankan team transitions from their ongoing white-ball tour in South Africa to the tournament venue in Abu Dhabi. With a blend of experience and youth, coupled with unwavering determination, the Sri Lankan women’s squad aims to make a mark on the global stage and secure their berth in the prestigious ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
