Siriwardena confident about change of fortunes

Dubai, Jan 13 (IANS): Sri Lanka captain Shashikala Siriwardena is confident of change of fortunes for her side during the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup to be held in India.

Siriwardena believes that her side’s bowling attack gives her hope of a good show at the tournament that begins Jan 31 in Mumbai.

“We couldn’t do well at ICC World Twenty20 due to our batting failure. It was tough to lose like that on our home soil. We believe in our potential and are confident of doing well. What gives us hope is our previous performances and winning ratio in ODIs,” said Siriwardena.

Playing in India will be a challenge and Siriwardena is confident that her side can live up to the challenge.

“We haven’t played in India since the 2006 Asia Cup. I remember us doing well there. Playing in Asia always feels like we are at home. Hopefully it will be much easier to adjust in India than any country,” said Siriwardena.

Sri Lanka is drawn in Group A alongside England, West Indies and hosts India. They begin their campaign against defending champions England Feb 2 at the Wankhede Stadium.

“We haven’t played that much against England. But we are hoping to do our best. Charlotte Edwards, Sarah Taylor, Katherine Brunt and Laura Marsh are the ones to watch out for,” opined Siriwardena.

Talking on the Indian side, Siriwardena said: “We haven’t won any match against India so far but have fought well and had a few close games earlier. We all know Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami and Poonam Raut are their key players.”

There will be quite a few new faces added to Sri Lanka’s squad for the tournament.

“Chamari Athapattu is a top order batter who has huge potential of playing hard and long innings. Chamani Senevirathne is an experienced all-rounder, then there is left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera who did very well in the World Twenty20 and Asia Cup,” said Siriwardena.