Sri Lankan women’s cricket team led by Chamari Atapattu will meet Kenya in their second game of the Commonwealth qualifier cricket tournament today (20) at Kinrara Oval grounds in Malaysia. In the first match, Sri Lanka won by 109 runs against Scotland and the players are ready to take the second challenge today said skipper Chamari Atapattu.

The skipper led from the front by scoring 86 in 45 balls innings which consisted of 13 fours and two sixes. The left-hander who got the opportunity to take part in the Women’s big bash league last November was in top form and strengthen the side with her experience.

Atapattu won the Player of the Match award at the first match against Scotland last Tuesday but chose instead to dedicate her award to debutant Nisansala for her two wickets and an impressive effort in the field.

“She is a young and exciting player. She has been doing all the hard work in the nets and I’m happy she made her debut. You can expect some big contributions from her in the future,” said Atapattu.

As captain, she encouraged her bowlers to stick to the basics. “The best bet is to bowl wicket-to-wicket and always put the ball in the right areas. Minimize the loose balls and wait for the batter to make a mistake,” she said.

Sri Lankan head coach Hashan Tillakaratne, who was tested positive for COVID-19, was not accompanied with the team earlier but he is well recovered now and working with the team, and that always gives a big boost to the Sri Lanka team. When Tillakaratne was contacted he said, “Sri Lankan team is very confident to play this tournament and especially youngsters have shown very good progress which is a very good sign and they get good match exposure during this tournament.”

“We never underestimate any opponent and players. All players have good commitment and they always focus on matches. The senior players give their support to the juniors and skipper Atapattu is leading from the front to get all success,” added head coach Tillakaratne. Former national paceman Vinodhan John is also with the team as New Manager for this Malaysian tour.