There’s a chance to change history - Athapaththu

Women’s skipper Chamari Athapaththu believes Sri Lanka has a chance to create history in the ongoing Women’s T20 World Cup when they meet New Zealand tonight.

Lankan ladies have never reached the semi-final stage of the global tournament and if they beat New Zealand today they are in with a chance to create history.

“I do know a chance awaits to script a new piece of history. But we’re not placing us under undue pressure. If we play well and the way we do, we will reap the results,” she told reporters yesterday ahead of their clash against the kiwis.

Speaking on that must-win situation, she dismissed the pressure lying with them and said, “Actually, no. We played the first two games well. But we lost against Australia in the game. However, I’ve told my team what I say always. Not to place them under pressure by thinking that it’s a must-win situation, a potential semi-final berth or even about the run-rate. Simply treat it as a normal game and go about it the usual manner. How best we play is what matters the most. If we go to think and play big, we might fail from the fundamentals”.

Shedding light on what aspects they’re focused on improving in their last league, “If I reflect on the past matches, our batting had fared to a certain standard. However, though, in the last match we failed to achieve the desired target. Especially, following my wicket, we didn’t fire fully. Hence batting needs to be fixed. Also, along with that fielding too carries certain errors. Bowling department, though, is overall performing well. However, we need to maintain the bowling momentum. Therefore, these are the aspects of focus prior to today’s match.”

In their opening game, Sri Lanka stunned hosts South Africa by three runs and then beat Bangladesh by seven wickets before Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by ten-wickets. This left Sri Lanka with a must-win situation against New Zealand to enter the semis.

“We are always all out to give a fight to New Zealanders. Our aim is to win at least by one-run. I know they’re a good side. Though they were not in-form in the opening two games, in yesterday’s (on Friday) game I noticed they had played well. Especially, Suzie Bates. We never underestimate them. All the teams come to the tournament to shine.”