Women cricketers take on Pakistan in opener

Chris DHAMBARAGE

CRICKET: The Sri Lanka women's cricket team will take on Pakistan in their opening match of the women's Asia Cup limited overs cricket tournament which will be hosted by the Rajasthan Cricket Association in Jaipur from December 13 to 21.

However the curtain raiser match of this three nation tournament will be between the defending champions India and Pakistan on December 13 followed by the clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan on the following day.

The Sri Lanka women's team captained by Shashikala Siriwardena will play both India and Pakistan twice during the league stage with the two top teams set to meet in the final on December 21.

The Sri Lanka team includes two players who represented the country at the previous women's World Cup tournament in South Africa and also comprises a number of players who played in the previous Asia Cup held in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka defeated Pakistan twice at the previous Asia Cup but ended up as the runners up to India who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. This time however they are hoping to produce an improved performance while having the services of some good all rounders.

The Sri Lanka women's cricket team: Shashikala Siriwardena (captain), Sandamali Dolawatha (vice captain), Dedunu De Silva, Chamani Polgampola, Inoka Galagedara, Hiroshi Abeysinghe, Sweni De Alwis, Dilani Manodara, Ishani Kawshalya, Nirosha Kumari, Randika Galahenage, Saduni Abeywickrema, umudu Fernando, Sripali Weerakkodi.

Stand byes: Janakanthimala and Chandi Wickremasinghe.

Officials: Ms. Indrani Ariyaratne (manageress), Bernard Perera (coach), Ms. W.N.D. Venuka Nimali Nishanthi (physio/trainer), Gulam Razik (selector on tour).

The schedule for the Asia Cup:

December 13: India v Pakistan, December 14: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, December 15: India v Sri Lanka, December 17: Pakistan v Sri Lanka, December 18: India v Sri Lanka, December 19: India v Pakistan. December 21: final.