Women’s ODI World Cup | Bangladesh, Sri Lanka look to bring their A-game

On paper, it’s a clash between the sixth and seventh placed teams. But ahead of its group league fixture against Sri Lanka on Monday, Bangladesh fast bowler Fahima Khatun appeared confident about her team’s chances of making it to the semifinals of the Women’s ODI World Cup. But then, it’s easier said than done.

Despite showing resilience, Bangladesh could register a solitary win, and now, to keep its hopes alive, it needs to win the remaining two matches – against Sri Lanka and India – and then hope for England to beat New Zealand and India.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was robbed of the home advantage as two of its home games in Colombo were abandoned due to rain. Some insipid performances added to its woes as the team could never rise to the occasion, and now, even though, mathematically it can still qualify for the last-four stage, the reality speaks otherwise.

“There is a bit of mathematics, but for now, we are thinking of winning tomorrow’s game first,” said Sri Lanka’s head coach Rumesh Ratnayake.

As the DY Patil Stadium hosts its first game of the tournament, Ratnayake expects it to be a ‘typical Mumbai wicket’ which could aid the batters. However, both teams would be hoping to be more consistent with its batting and improve the fielding standards. While Bangladesh fast bowler Marufa Akter, who suffered a back strain, will be available for selection, Sri Lanka will also be boosted by the return of its top-order batter Vishmi Gunarathne.