The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup has ended on a high note, with New Zealand being the triumphant side as they got their hands on its first-ever tournament title. This league has seen the clash of the best ten teams across the women's cricket ecosystem.

But, this edition has seen some shocking, unpleasing performances from those campaigners who have been promising in the long run. After a dismal streak of game display, here's the Flop Playing XI of the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup. 

1.Smriti Mandhana (India)

Smriti Mandhana, the flamboyant left-handed opener from India, had a forgettable tournament. After leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad to their first Women's Premier League title, many expected she could apply the same calibre in this intense tournament. But scoring a mere 75 runs in four innings with one half-century to her name, the No.5 batter wasn't up to the mark and was criticized for her timid approach throughout this forgettable T20 World Cup.

2. Chamari Athapathatu (Sri Lanka) 

Chamari Athapathatu was prominent in the recent timelines of the Women's Cricket forum. Leading her side to win the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers and the Asia Cup, everyone had higher expectations from her to perform aggressively with her bat and captaincy. She has made 27 runs in just four matches, which didn't help convert her heroic run in this tournament.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur (India) (Captain)

Though Harmanpreet Kaur has been pretty good with the willow and made some crucial runs by scoring 150 runs at an average of 150 in just four games, the Indian captain did display a disappointing stint as a captain. Primarily due to unclear decision-making, lack of communication and mediocre lead-up to the emerging players, which attributed Kaur to be the captain for this Flop Playing XI of the tournament.

4. Heather Knight (England)

Heather Knight was one of the players to check out from the English side, thanks to her associations with the team for quite a long period of time. Being a reliable all-rounder, she couldn't convert it into crucial runs and wickets during the recent tournament. Knight scored just 27 runs in four matches, summing up her poor outing in the competitive league.   

5. Jemimah Rodrigues (India)

Jemimah Rodrigues, another Indian player on the women's World Cup flop list, had a perplexing campaign in which her batting position was never established. She was shifted up and down the order throughout the tournament, scoring only 68 runs in 4 innings.

6. Marizanne Kapp (South Africa)

Marizanne Kapp had a dismal campaign with the bat and the ball as South Africa advanced to the final. Kapp scored just 90 runs in six innings. Prominent for her lethal and hostile pace, Kapp took just a mere five wickets in six games. Kapp's poor performance was a significant factor in South Africa's defeat in the final.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Best Playing XI of the Tournament

7. Richa Ghosh (India) (Wicketkeeper)

Richa Ghosh was expected to perform admirably for India with the bat and behind the stumps, but she performed horribly. Her faulty record-keeping assured India's poor performance on the pitch. Ghosh only managed 19 runs with the bat in four innings.

8. Fahima Khatun (Bangladesh)

Fahima Khatun from the Bangladesh side was expected to turn the tables with her spinning ability, but it didn't work in her arsenal's way. She was able to have four wickets on her hat in five matches, with a decent spinner's economy of over six.

9. Deepti Sharma (India)

Indian All-Rounder Deepti Sharma also disappointed fans with her performance, scoring only a bleak 49 runs in four games. In the critical encounters, Deepti wasn't up to the mark and didn't prove to be instrumental in such scenarios. She wasn't very appealing with her spinning abilities, as she took just four wickets in four games.

10. Rachel Slater (Scotland)

During the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifiers, Scotland's quickie, Rachel Slater, was meant to be promising, as she was the highest wicket-taker of that league. But, on the game's main stage, she was disappointed with her pace as she scalped just two wickets in four matches.

11. Ayabonga Khaka (South Africa)

Ayabonga Khaka has been one of the most reliable pacers for the runners-up Proteas side in the long-run aspects. But, based on this tournament, she didn't play much of a pivotal role in changing the game for her side with her quick pace. Khaka was able to scalp a mere four wickets in six games, which doesn't act synonymous, keeping her experience in mind.

The Sri Lanka Women's side became prominent after a memorable triumph in the recent Women's Asia Cup tournament against a robust India side. With an optimum mix of experience and emerging talent, the Lankan squad have shown their top-class calibre by scalping their first-ever Women's Asia Cup title after many attempts by qualifying for the final stages.

As it implies, there is no doubt that they have a strong chance of getting their first-ever Women's T20 World Cup title, as they maintain the same gameplay. With that said, here's the announced Sri Lanka squad for the tournament, with its Probable XI and their top three players to check out. 

Announced Women's Sri Lanka 2024 T20 World Cup Full Squad:

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain), Anushka Sanjeewani (Wicketkeeper), Harshitha Madhavi, Nilakshika de Silva, Inoka Ranaweera, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Sachini Nisansala, Vishmi Gunaratne, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Kaushini Nuthyangana*

*Travelling Reserve

Sri Lanka Probable XI:  

• Vishmi Gunaratne
• Chamari Athapaththu (Captain)
• Harshitha Samarawickrama
• Kavisha Dilhari
• Nilakshika de Silva
• Anushka Sanjeewani (Wicketkeeper)
• Hasini Perera
• Sugandika Kumari
• Inoshi Priyadarshani
• Udeshika Prabodhani
• Sachini Nisansala

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Bangladesh Women's Team squad, Probable XI & Top 3 players to check out

Top 3 players to check out from Sri Lanka in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup:

Chamari Athapaththu

Chamari Athapaththu was the face of Sri Lanka's first-ever Women's Asia Cup triumph, signifying her experienced batting calibre and a top-class captain's mindset. In her Women's Asia Cup victory, she was the highest run-scorer and the Player of the Tournament.

Having experience across several formats, tournaments and conditions, Chamari is one of the leading players to check out for. In her long T20I stint, she has played 139 matches and made 3326 runs, averaging over 26. 

Harshitha Samarawickrama

Harshitha Samarawickrama, the left-hand batter, has played a vital role in bolstering the team's top-order batting. Following the captain's footsteps, she has played across different conditions and tournaments, citing her experience taking up hostile and authoritarian play modes.

She was known to be an accumulator and a busy top-order batter, and she idolised Kumar Sangakarra, indicating her inspiration for her signature Cover Drive. In her T20I stint, she has made 1463 runs in 65 matches, at a commendable average of over 31. 

Udeshika Prabodhani

Udeshika Prabodhani is a left-arm medium pacer with a quick inswinger thrown after a brief trundle that has defeated numerous batters. And she has done it frequently enough to become a fixture in Sri Lanka's bowling attack over the last decade. One of her most remarkable characteristics is her ability to maintain tight lines and lengths, making her a valuable player for her side at critical periods, frequently getting wickets when needed.

Her longevity and continuous success demonstrate her fitness, ability, and enthusiasm for the game. In her T20I career, she has scalped 80 wickets in 102 matches at a noteworthy economy of 5.48. 

The second semifinal of the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s tournament features a compelling matchup between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Women have emerged as the dominant force in Group B, maintaining an unblemished record throughout the group stages. Their impressive journey was highlighted by a commanding 144-run victory, demonstrating their batting depth and bowling prowess. Additionally, their ability to chase down targets with authority in two decisive matches showcased their balanced and formidable lineup.

As they prepare to face Pakistan, Sri Lanka will look to carry forward their momentum and continue their unbeaten run to secure a place in the final. On the other hand, Pakistan Women have shown remarkable resilience and determination to reach the semifinals. After an initial setback against their arch-rivals, India Women, where they suffered a comprehensive defeat by seven wickets, Pakistan made a robust recovery.

They bounced back with emphatic victories, securing wins by nine and ten wickets respectively, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling departments. These dominant performances propelled them into the last four of the competition, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure. As they face the undefeated Sri Lankan team, Pakistan will aim to leverage their recent form and strategic acumen to upset the Group B leaders and advance to the final.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Pre-match Analysis: Can the Bangladesh Women Outplay the Formidable Indian Side?

Strategies for Pakistan Women to Contain Chamari Athapaththu

Chamari Athapaththu has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup in the Asia Cup 2024, emerging as a pivotal figure in their successful campaign. With 180 runs in just 3 matches, including a stunning unbeaten 119, she has displayed exceptional skill and leadership on the field. Athapaththu’s aggressive batting style is highlighted by her remarkable strike rate of 155.17, which has consistently put pressure on opposition bowlers, making her a formidable force at the crease.

Her ability to score quickly and play match-winning innings has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s journey to the semifinals. Athapaththu has showcased her prowess by scoring 110 runs off just 62 balls against right-arm medium bowlers, and 51 runs off 37 balls against right-arm off-break bowlers. These performances underline her capacity to dominate various bowling attacks, significantly contributing to her team’s success in the tournament.

However, Athapaththu has faced some challenges, particularly against left-arm orthodox bowlers. In this department, she managed only 18 runs off 15 balls, indicating a slight vulnerability. Despite this, her overall impact on the tournament has been substantial, and her ability to adapt and overcome obstacles makes her a key player to watch in the semifinals.

Gull Feroza has been a standout performer for Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2024, especially during their recovery phase after an initial setback. In just 3 matches, she has scored 124 runs, with a top score of 62* and an impressive strike rate of 130.52. Feroza’s ability to play impactful and aggressive innings has been a key factor in Pakistan’s resurgence. Her consistency at the top of the order has provided Pakistan with solid starts, setting a strong foundation for their batting efforts and helping them secure crucial victories.

Muneeba Ali has also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s journey to the semifinals. With 94 runs in 3 matches and a high score of 46, she has maintained a healthy strike rate of 125.33. Ali’s contributions have been essential in building competitive totals and chasing down targets. Her ability to rotate the strike and score at a brisk pace has complemented Feroza’s performances, creating a formidable opening partnership.

See Also: Men’s Hundred 2024: Match Analysis: Where did Birmingham Phoenix went wrong in their innings?

Chamari Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka to Big Win Over MalaysiaChamari Athapaththu scored her career-best 119* to help Sri Lanka crush Malaysia by 144 runs in the Women’s Asia Cup match at Dambulla on Monday. The captain hit 7 sixes and 14 boundaries, leading Sri Lanka to their highest T20I total of 184/4. Malaysia struggled and only managed to score 40 in response.

Sri Lanka

PowerPlay: Strong start despite early setback

Malaysia’s Suabika Manivannan got an early breakthrough by dismissing a Sri Lankan batter with her first ball. However, Athapaththu took control, partnering with Harshitha Samarawickrama to add 64 runs. The duo hit boundaries in every over, with Athapaththu especially aggressive against Aisya Eleesa, adding 14 runs in the final over of the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: Athapaththu takes charge

Malaysia’s inexperience showed as they bowled poorly, and Athapaththu capitalized on every mistake. She reached her half-century in 35 balls and led the team to 100 runs by the 12th over. Malaysia had no answers as Athapaththu continued her assault. Samarawickrama was eventually bowled by Mahirah Izzati Ismail, who took her 50th T20I wicket.

Death overs: Sri Lanka sets record score

In the final overs, Athapaththu dominated the Malaysian bowlers, hitting sixes with ease. Despite some fielding errors by Malaysia, Athapaththu powered on, reaching her century off 63 balls. She led Sri Lanka to their highest T20I score of 184/4. Malaysia managed to take two wickets in the final balls to limit further damage.

Malaysia

Powerplay: Early collapse of batting order

Kawya Kavindi, playing her first game of the tournament, made an immediate impact by dismissing the Malaysian captain for a four-ball duck. Shashini Gimhani, a teenage left-arm wrist spinner, took two more wickets, reducing Malaysia to 21/3 in the PowerPlay.

Middle overs: No runs, No boundaries for Malaysia

Inoshi Priyadarshini started the middle overs by taking a wicket, with Ainna Hamizah Hashim caught at cover. Ama Kanchana nearly took another wicket, but the chance was missed. However, Ismail was soon bowled by Kanchana. Sachini Nisansala then took another wicket, leaving Malaysia struggling with only 15 runs in the middle overs.

Death overs: Sri Lanka secures big win

With a required run rate of over 30, Malaysia managed just one run per over in the final phase before being bowled out on the penultimate ball. Gimhani and Kavindi took one wicket each, while Kavisha Dilhari dismissed two lower-order batters in consecutive balls. Sri Lanka’s massive win boosted their net run rate and nearly secured them a spot in the semifinals. The victory also placed Sri Lanka at the top of Group B.

Player of the Match (Chamari Athapaththu)

“Really happy today because I played good cricket. The main reason is because my mom is also watching. She has sacrificed a lot for me. Thank you very much, mama. I enjoy my cricket everyday in the middle. I know how to handle pressure. I just keep it simple. We made four changes because we need to give opportunities to youngsters with the World Cup coming up.”

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, who scored an unbeaten 195 in just 139 balls to help Sri Lanka register a stunning win over South Africa in their final ODI in Potchefstroom last week, has reached the No. 1 spot in the ICC’s batting rankings for women’s ODIs as well.

Chamari Athapaththu scored an unbeaten 195

However, Athapaththu’s knock broke several records in women’s cricket, including the highest individual score in a successful ODI chase as well. It was also the second-highest individual score in a successful ODI chase across women’s and men’s cricket after Glenn Maxwell’s unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup as well.

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However, while chasing South Africa’s 301 for 5, where Laura Wolvaardt smashed an outstanding 147-ball 184 not out – which took her series tally to 335 runs – Sri Lanka reached the finish line in just 44.3 overs as well. The second-best individual score for Sri Lanka came from Nilakshika Silva who scored 50 not out in 71 balls.

Laura Wolvaardt placed third in the rankings

Following that knock, Chamari Athapaththu achieved her highest-ever rating of 773 on the ICC rankings as well and moved past Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has 764 points. Laura Wolvaardt, who had entered the top five in the rankings, moved up two more spots, past Beth Mooney and Smriti Mandhana, to third place as well.

Hayley Matthews, on the other hand, jumped seven spots to reach No. 11 on the same table after scoring an unbeaten 140 and 44 in West Indies’ wins over Pakistan in the first two ODIs of their three-match series as well. Among bowlers, Sadia Iqbal, the Pakistan left-arm spinner, moved up six places to be in the top 20 players after returns of 2 for 38 and 1 for 36 in the two games against West Indies as well.

Recently, Sri Lanka set a new benchmark by becoming the first team in women’s ODI cricket to chase down a target exceeding 300 runs. This achievement not only highlights the evolving competitive landscape of women’s cricket but also underscores the tremendous growth and increasing excitement around the sport.

Historic Chase against South Africa

On a vibrant day at the cricket ground, Sri Lanka faced a formidable total set by their opponents. Previously, the highest successful chase in women’s ODIs was 289 by Australia against New Zealand in 2012. Sri Lanka’s remarkable chase of 305 runs has rewritten the record books, showcasing the team’s resilience and strategic prowess.

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Key Performances

Central to this historic win were the performances of Chamari Athapaththu and Laura Wolvaardt. Chamari, the Sri Lankan captain, and Laura, the South African powerhouse, were pivotal with their batting masterclass, each scoring well over 175 runs.

Chamari Athapaththu’s Performance

Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 195 runs is now the highest score while chasing in a women’s ODI, surpassing the previous record held by Meg Lanning. Her innings is a testament to her leadership and skill, marking her as one of the most formidable batters in women’s cricket today.

Partnership Highlights

Significant to the chase was the 179-run partnership between Chamari and Nilakshika Silva, which is the second-highest stand for the fifth or a lower wicket in women’s ODIs. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings but also propelled the team towards the monumental target.

Laura Wolvaardt’s Innings

On the opposing side, Laura Wolvaardt’s 184* runs set a national record for South Africa and is now the highest individual score to end up on the losing side in women’s ODIs. Her elegant and powerful batting displayed why she is considered one of the best in women’s cricket.

Records and Achievements

This match was rich with record-setting performances, including the highest aggregate of runs scored by captains in an ODI. Both captains surpassed the previous record held by Virat Kohli and Angelo Mathews, highlighting the increasing competitiveness in women’s cricket.

Sri Lanka’s strategic approach to the chase was methodical and aggressive. The decision to accelerate the innings post the 30-over mark was a game-changer, allowing them to keep up with the rising required run rate.

Impact on Women’s Cricket

This historic chase is likely to have a profound impact on women’s cricket, encouraging greater investments in the sport and inspiring a new generation of female cricketers. It emphasizes the growing parity and competitiveness among international women’s teams.