The buzz word powering Sri Lanka's CWC25 bounce back task
As they feature in front of a Colombo crowd for the first time at Cricket World Cup 2025, Sri Lanka aim to stay strong against Australia.
By Daniel Beswick in Colombo
In the build-up to Cricket World Cup 2025, and after defeat to India on the tournament’s opening day, one word has been scribbled on a whiteboard more than any other in the Sri Lanka camp.
“Resilience.”
Australia face Sri Lanka challenge in Colombo | AUSvSL | Will to Win Preview Show | CWC25
ICC Digital Insider Crystal Arnold previews the Australia-Sri Lanka clash at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in Colombo.
It’s a favourite for head coach Rumesh Ratnayake, and the playing group led by Chamari Athapaththu.
Their campaign to this point is nothing that they weren’t expecting: First going up against an imposing India side in their conditions, only for defending champions Australia in the second match of a global tournament.
Others may shudder to think about the prospects of dropping the first two games, though Chamari’s charges see it through a different lens. While down on their first-up defeat, their frustrations come from knowing they can be better, and not through a thought that there is no hope.
Chamari Athapaththu gets going with a maximum | CWC25
Chamari Athapaththu hits a six the CWC25 opener against India.
Despite enjoying periods in the ascendancy against India, Athapaththu lamented the key moments lost in their defeat, though the skipper believes the ingredients are there for an upset on home turf in their first Colombo tournament outing.
“Actually, the last game (against India) we played good cricket, but not the best cricket. We dropped a few catches in crucial times,” the captain admitted to reporters ahead of their Australia clash.
“So that's why we lost the game. And as a batting unit, we struggle in the middle overs. So we have to learn from the mistakes and bounce back.
“We are resilient. We have done (well) a few times when we are in bad times, we always come up and play our best cricket.”
Athapaththu confident of giving a good fight against Australia | Pre-match Press Conference | CWC25
Captain Chamari Athapaththu speaks to the media ahead of Sri Lanka's encounter against Australia in CWC25.
Sri Lanka can also take solace in their run to the tournament, finishing fifth in the ICC Women’s Championship cycle for an automatic spot at the tournament, avoiding the jeopardy of the Qualifier.
Inoka Ranaweera's fiery spell | Player Highlights | CWC25
Inoka Ranaweera bowled a collapse-inducing spell, which included three wickets in a single over in the CWC25 opener.
The Sri Lankans didn’t cross paths with Australia on the journey, but their qualities have been observed from afar, and in the shorter white-ball format.
“I think there's a beauty in the unknown at times. The last time we played them was in the T20 World Cup last year, and it's a similar side,” Opposition batter Phoebe Litchfield detailed at Australia’s press conference.
“The beauty of a (Cricket) World Cup is you play every different side and you have to prepare. You don't really get time to learn. You've got to come out firing.
“I think their opening bowlers pose a threat, but I think their spin attack is where their work gets done and they've got four spinners that are completely different to each other.”
“If it spins, that'll probably be the biggest threat to us and being able to adapt and play spin really well because most of the middle overs is spin.”
On the batting front, Australia’s biggest threat remains the Sri Lankan captain.
The left-handed Athapaththu averages almost 45 in nine innings against the Australians, at a strike rate of 85.47, up from overall career figures of 35 and and 75.50 respectively. The numbers are positively skewed by the electric 178 not out from 143 balls at the 2017 World Cup, but having done it before is undoubtedly inspiring Chamari’s teammates.
The likes of Vishmi Gunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari among others stand ready to make their mark against the best side in the world, and Chamari is more than happy to share the load.
“My average is good against Australia, in Australia and here.
“But the thing is tomorrow is a fresh day. As a team, as a player. We have to start again. Start from zero.
“I want to share my knowledge to the youngsters, especially with our batters. Because I have a very young batting line up, so I want to share my knowledge with them.
“So the basic (plan) is keep it simple and fearless and play our best cricket.
“So if we can play at our best, we can do anything.”
The Sri Lankans are also hoping to be uplifted by a vocal home crowd, with free entry for fans at Colombo matches at the tournament.
And the skipper insists a first ODI win in 12 attempts could be on the cards.
“We are playing against the top team, world champions (Australia). So if we can execute right place right time, we know and I know we can beat any team.
“But execution is the most important thing, rather than skill and mindset. We are in a good mindset to play our best cricket.”
