The warm-up games were the ideal opportunities to fine-tune before the main action starts for both teams this Saturday. However, both teams will be less than satisfied with their preparation leading up to their opening encounter.
England will be without Katherine Brunt, who, on her first start since the Kia Super League in August hobbled off the field with a back injury only five balls into her only over. She has been replaced in the squad by Fran Wilson. With Sarah Taylor also absent England are reduced in their firepower in the top five.
Added to the fact that their warm-up against Australia was washed out and having lost the games against India and West Indies any plans that England had will have to be altered and any momentum picked up along the way.
Sri Lanka may not have the same ambitions as England going into the tournament. Expectations may have been further toned down with a comprehensive defeat against Ireland in which they collapsed to 85 all out.
It was the second game in a row in which they failed to score in triple figures as New Zealand dismissed them for 98 in 20 overs.
Players to watch out for:
Linsey Smith will be in line to make her international debut. The left-arm spinner bowls in the power-play overs and is known for being economical in the Women's Cricket Super League where she has had success with Southern Vipers and Loughborough Lightning. With Brunt unavailable, keeping the runs down and taking wickets early will be all that more important.
Chamari Athapathtu has shown that she is up for the challenge of taking on the best bowlers in the world. Sri Lanka may need her runs to help keep them at least competitive.
Conditions:
There has been no women’s international T20 international at the Darren Sammy National Stadium since 2013. West Indies restricted South Africa to 94 for 6 that day. The highest score in the four games at the venue was by New Zealand who scored 180-5 in 2010.
The way that the women’s game has evolved since then, 180 could be the norm and not the exception.
Numbers to look out for:
Danni Wyatt needs just 6 runs to reach 1000 international T20 runs.
Amy Jones will win her 25th T20 international cap.
Anya Shrubsole is on 74 wickets only one behind the 75 that Jenny Gunn has taken.
Who said what:
“Tonight was a great learner for us.” - Mark Robinson talking after England lost their warm-up game to India.
“A lot of young girls want to play like me now. They want to take a selfie or have my signature when I meet them.” - Chamari Athapaththu talking about how last years World Cup has had an impact in Sri Lanka.
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