SRI LANKA

Tournaments: 6 Result in 2018: First round Best finish: First round (2009-18) ICC ranking: 8th

Form line: It’s been a tough year for the Sri Lankans results-wise, having suffered three T20 series whitewashes. But it’s been eye-opening too, as they’ve been able to measure themselves against the likes of Australia, having played six limited-overs matches during a tour in September-October.

What previous tournaments tell us: Sri Lanka is yet to advance out of the first round at the World T20, and has won only seven of 23 matches in the event overall. Two years ago, their campaign suffered from the foul weather that struck their tournament site in Saint Lucia – their opening match against England was cancelled, and they laboured batting first against South Africa with a rain-soaked outfield.

Player to watch: Chamari Atapattu has become a well-known name to Aussie supporters, with the clean-striking left-hander exhibiting a penchant for playing her best against the world’s top-ranked side. After making an impression with a banner 178 not out at the one-day World Cup in 2017, the 29-year-old put up 113 in the first T20 at North Sydney last September, going from half century to her final total in 22 deliveries. T20s are often turned by one player, and Atapattu is fully capable of it.

Expectations: The losses against the Australians at North Sydney contained flashes of promise, but also the challenges. Sri Lanka remains dependent on Atapattu to be a matchwinner, and she has encouraged her team to play with more freedom – it will be up to the likes of all-rounder Shashikala Siriwardene or young Harshitha Madavi to step up.