ENG-W vs SL-W: Sri Lanka announce playing XI for Women's T20 World Cup curtain raiser

Sri Lanka women have announced their playing XI for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup opener against England to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 12. Chamari Athapaththu will lead the playing XI filled with youngsters. Chamari is likely to open the innings alongside Vishmi Gunaratne. 

Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kaveesha Dilhari will shoulder the onus of scoring runs in the middle order. Nilkashi Silva will be expected to provide the final flourish with bat in hand.

A lot rests on the shoulders of Sugandika Kumari, who is the most potent weapon that Sri Lanka have in their spin ranks. Sri Lanka have added Malki Madara and Mithali Ayodhya to their playing XI, and they will be expected to provide breakthroughs with the new ball.

Sri Lanka head into the encounter against England women as underdogs. The Chamari Athapaththu-led side is sixth on the ICC Women's T20I team rankings with 237 ratings. Meanwhile, England are ranked second with 275 ratings.

Chamari Athapaththu embraces 'underdog' tag ahead of England clash

Athapaththu has embraced the 'underdog' tag ahead of the opening fixture and said that England will be under pressure being the home side.

"The game is very important game for both the teams, but we are coming with underdog tag because we need to earn something," Athapaththu said in the pre-match press conference. "But I know England have a little bit pressure because they're playing in their home condition and first game and with a lot of expectation. 

"And most of the England people are coming here for cheering for them. I feel some kind of pressure they have. So we don't have that kind of pressure. 

"So we just need to play our fearless cricket. And if we can play our best cricket tomorrow, I know we can change and make, we can make history."

Sri Lanka's playing XI vs England women:

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Imesha Dulani, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (WK), Sugandika Dassanayake, Malki Madara, Mithali Ayodhya