Table-toppers and 2020 vision: Athapaththu targets giant toppling
Nine tenths of the predictions would be for the team in green and gold at St.George's Park on Thursday, though Sri Lanka have a history of asking Meg Lannning’s side several questions, even in Australia’s own backyard at the tournament's last edition.
Athapaththu's team took the eventual champions to the final over of the match in Perth, consigning the hosts at 10/3 in the fourth over, defending 122.
A late rescue mission from Lanning and Rachael Haynes saved Australian blushes, while Athapaththu to no surprise led from the front for her side, making 50 from 38 balls to go with her 1/28 (4).
“We played good cricket against Australia in the last over (thriller)," Athapaththu, reflecting on the lessons of the match, expressed in the build up to Thursday's match.
"They won the match, (but) the girls have good positive vibes in my team."
Three years on, Athapaththu's side boasts a cavalry of players ready to join her in Sri Lanka’s assault with both bat and ball.
Multiple players have taken responsibility in their two victories, securing one win defending a low total, and the other through an assertive run chase.
Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 69* took the Lankans to victory over Bangladesh in spite of her team losing three wickets in the Powerplay, while Nilakshi de Silva and Vishmi Gunaratne have played strong support roles with the bat.
Composed Harshitha guides Sri Lanka to important win | Women's T20WC 2023
Harshitha Samarawickrama's was player of the match for an unbeaten half-century that helped Sri Lanka continue their perfect start to the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023.
Athapaththu’s 68 against South Africa was the thorn in the hosts’ side, and the bowling group has been world-class, with five bowlers going at an economy of seven or better.
Oshadi Ranasinghe and Inoka Wanaweera, as tipped, have shown the way with the ball. Right and left-arm finger spinners respectively, the pair have enjoyed South African conditions, which have suited the side according to the captain.
Sri Lanka stun South Africa in tournament opener | Match Highlights
Match highlights of Sri Lanka holding off hosts South Africa in the Group 1 opener at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023
“I think that the conditions are good for our side, because I feel that it’s a bit slow.
“So, it's really good for us because we have good spinners and it's a little bit familiar, very familiar for us because they are like subcontinent wickets."
For the skipper though, there is no time to rest on the favourable conditions, nor on the laurels that could come from two victories.
“(The) two matches are over. I know that we are at the top of the points table. There is no point in thinking about the results of the two matches that have ended. Our hope is to play well in the next two matches.
“We cannot think in advance how those teams will play the other two matches, and we can't trust the weather.
“We know Australia is a very good side, but we know our skill, we back our skills. Positive things.”
Chamari is well-known to the Australians, as a key overseas figure in the Women’s Big Bash League, where she boasts a fine record across time with the Perth Scorchers and the Melbourne Renegades.
Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry says they have their plans for the veteran, but with 251 runs in six T20I innings against them - including a knock of 113 (66) at North Sydney Oval in 2019 - the tournament favourites don't need any more warning.
“I think we've had a really great sort of look at Chamari whether that's been in international fixtures when she's been playing for Sri Lanka, or when she's been playing out in the WBBL.
“(A) tremendously threatening player, a lot of power, a lot of energy, and passion for the game as well. And certainly, observing her play with a team that's playing some really good cricket so far in this tournament too, she’s looking like she's really enjoying it.”
Athapaththu's joy in the post-match presser after their victory against South Africa has been one of the burning images of the tournament thus far, and their position at the top of Group 1 alongside Australia is a fair reflection of their efforts.
The skipper is under no illusions as to which team has the favourite tag, though with Sri Lanka's underdog status comes opportunity, again free of pressure just like their opening match against the hosts.
"We know Australia is one of the best teams in the world, but the particular day (it's about) who will play the good cricket.
"I don't think about the ranking and the name of Australia, but I try to play positive cricket and I always try to lead from the front.
"Australia is a champion team, so they have pressure from their side but not for us. So we take no risks tomorrow, we just play our natural game."