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The player’s eyes were fixed on the object coming in her direction at over 60 kilometres per hour. She mustered her strength to smash the unruly ball, turning almost a half a circle to her right. The ball finally gave in having knocked hard against the net and rolled down the ground. The batswoman walked out of the ground having finished her turn at the net session. Her hand, just freed from the glove, reached the water bottle and she gulped down more than half of the bottle to restore her drained stamina. “These are crucial days. We can’t afford to give in to harsh weather or anything else. It’s only long practice sessions that will help to get what we want,” she spoke while splashing a smile at the sun mercilessly assailing their courage with its scorching rays. “We have only one aim, that is to beat India in this tournament,” Chamari Polgampola, Vice Captain of the Sri Lanka Cricket Team said with confidence. Her eyes reflected that her determination is firm and hope is alive. The 27-year-old all-rounder is hopeful that her team mates would perform their best at the Asia Cup Tournament which is to be staged from May 2 in Dambulla, to beat the Asian champions - India. Polgampola, a left hand top order batswoman and medium pace bowler was the best player of the Afro Asia Cup as she turned out to be the star of the match with her bat, scoring 23 runs off 16 balls. She is one of the senior players in the team and joined the national team in 2004.
“From small days I had a passion for cricket. When I was a student of Mayurapada Cental College I played cricket with my friends. Cricket coach Somaratne Kasturi realised that I could go a long way and got me to practice with the boys. There was no difference. I played with them and I was confident,” she laughed as childhood memories flew into her mind. Polgampola hailing from Mangedara, Warakapola said she received 100 per cent family support. She works for Slimline Company Limited which opened doors for her to step into national cricket. She took part in several international tournaments and represented the country in the World Cup 2005 in South Africa. “There is a long way ahead. In Sri Lanka women’s cricket is still developing. The concept of women playing cricket is still not entrenched in people’s minds. Anyway we should not fall back. So far we have done quite well. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board also helps us in everyway. “We all have determination and commitment. Women can reach anywhere. Women have a promising future in cricket. They can overcome all obstacles but discipline is the key to success,” she remarked.
Shashikala Siriwardene is another decisive character in their voyage to victory. She is the captain of the crew and her decisions are vital to ensure smooth sailing when they are in stormy seas. “Every player is equally important to win a match,” the 23-year -old who stepped into cricket as early as eight years said. Despite her age, she has emerged a promising player and captain in a very short period. “I always get my team mates’ support and that’s why I lead the team despite being a very young player,” Siriwardene remarked. She has been captaining the team since 2005. She has proven her skills with both bat and ball. Siriwardene joined the national team in 2003 and made her debut against West Indies. “My first rival in cricket was my brother. A friend of my father introduced me to a cricket club called Palink Cricket Club. I was playing cricket for that club since the age of 12 till I joined the Slimline Sports Club,” the promising captain recalled the origin of her cricketing journey. Siriwardene was born in Kotikawatte and studied at the President’s College, Kotte. “In school I did not play cricket but excelled in athletics,” she said. Siriwardene said women’s cricket is widespread in India. “We have the talent but more resources should go into women’s cricket. Women playing cricket is still a wonder to our people. It’s sure to have all the eyes fixed on you if you travel in public transport with a bat”. Another pillar of strength of the team is Chamani Seneviratne. Being one of the longest serving players Seneviratne joined the team in 1997. She played soft ball cricket in school- Harischandra Vidyalaya, Anuradhapura. The all-rounder ventured into the national cricket from the Colombo Colts Cricket Club and then Slimline Sports Club, Pannala. She believes that self confidence and encouragement from those around you can make you a winner. “My rural background never was a barrier. Boys encouraged me and the people in our village were proud to see a women cricketer emerging from their village. A woman has a duty to be inspired, to make her way forward and to inspire others,” she remarked. Dilani Manodara is the woman behind the wickets and literally the woman behind every successful match. No conspiracy between the bat and ball can escape her hawk eyes and at the same time no ball making its way passing the batsman can shy away from her gloves. The 25-year-old Kandyan was a hockey player in her school team - Berrawarts College, Ampitiya. “Wicket keeper can be the match winner. Vigilance and quick movements of the wicket keeper are very decisive in resolving the fate of a match.” “Sports teach us to live in society. When you are in a team you learn to respect others’ opinions, you cannot function alone. Girls’ schools should promote all types of sports. Women should not be confined only to a few set occupations. Sports teach them to be relaxed and to be free,” she added. Other team players Dedunu de Silva, Chamika Badara, Suwini de Alwis, Eshani Lokusooriya, Sandamali Dolawatta, Inoka Galagedara, Janakanthimala, Deepika Rasangalie, Sumudu Fernando, and Sripali Weerakkodi were busily engaging in their net sessions with their coach Chitral Mendis whom they called “the strength behind them”. He said the team is well-armed and high in spirit to clinch the Asia Cup this time. |
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