With the dice cast and the teams settled to preparing Down Under in Aussie climes where the action will roar at the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup it is significant taking a dip at the batting prowess of Sri Lanka’s pinch hitting skipper Chamari Atapattu who basks in a singular reputation of having taken apart opposing bowling attacks in the past.

Shouldering the batting upfront as the premier opening batter the 30-year old Sri Lankan has indeed stamped her name as one of the breathtaking batswomen in world cricket. What is more that she has done so in the ranks of a mediocre team, the rest of which the batting has been brittle with the exception of young find Harshitha Madhavi therein does raise her stocks even much further.

For, in comparison to the big muscled Australians and other top weights in the arena that boast of sizable batting depth, Atapattu starring in virtual stellar lone roles is what has set her apart from other top batters around. Doing it by herself has propelled her to a type of heroine even in lost causes where she has succeeded in decimating opposing bowling attacks to shreds as 3 of her six sizzling century knocks off the giant Aussies signify in a tall career record. It is therefore interesting dwelling on the Sri Lankan captain’s parting words on departure to the world cup when she voices that ‘we expect to produce the unexpected at the world cup.’ It was prompted by the team’s tough workouts which has steeled the players both mentally and physically as emphasised by the team’s driving muscle MAS Holdings which has partnered Sri Lanka Cricket in that endeavour.

Sri Lanka start their world cup campaign with the opening match against New Zealand on February 22 at the WACA, Perth followed by the big one Against defending champs Australia on February 24 at the Wanderers Cricket Ground, Windhoek.

By Srian Obeyesekere

-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-