Having won the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 in sensational fashion, upsetting India, Sri Lanka entered the T20 World Cup 2024 as potential dark horses to go on a deep run. But their chances took a massive hit on the very first day as the Chamari Athapaththu-led side slipped to a brutal 31-run defeat at the hands of Pakistan chasing a mere 117.

For Sri Lanka, it doesn’t get any easier from here. Next up for the Asian side is defending champions Australia, who will begin their campaign on October 5 (Saturday) against the Island Nation.

Australia will be overwhelming favorites heading into the clash, but Athapaththu insisted that her side can emerge victorious if they play their absolute best cricket.

“We need to play postiive, fearless cricket and have the right approach. We know Australia is a very good team but if we play our best cricket, we can beat anyone,” Athapaththu said after the Pakistan defeat.

The Sri Lanka skipper asserted that her side failed to win Friday’s clash because of their inability to adjust to the conditions. She reckoned that the bowlers did a fine job but the batters struggled to cope with the slow and low conditions that were on offer.

“We struggled to chase 120, we have to adjust to these conditions, can’t complain. We bowled well but we need to bat really good as well in these conditions. I feel it is tricky because the wicket is slow and low, and the outfield is tricky as well,” Athapaththu said.

After the Australia clash, Sri Lanka will have three days off before taking on India in Dubai on October 9.