Sri Lanka's Historic 2013 Cricket Upset Fueled Women's Game Transformation

Two years ago, in October 2023, Sri Lanka's women's cricket team achieved a historic upset over England in the World Cup, a victory that proved to be a vital milestone in the growth of the sport on the island. Now, as the teams meet again in the current tournament, England remains the heavy favorite, but is well aware of the threats posed by Sri Lanka's star players.

Sri Lanka's 2023 World Cup win over England was not just a surprise result, but a transformative moment for the women's game in the country. As Sri Lanka captain Shashikala Siriwardene recalled, "Our lives and our cricket changed with that match. It started with that game." The team's jubilation, though muted at the time, set the stage for a surge in popularity and investment in the sport.

In the two years since that match, England has dominated the head-to-head, winning 10 consecutive ODIs against Sri Lanka. However, the Sri Lankans have developed more batting depth around their talisman, Chamari Athapaththu, who England will be "desperate to get out" according to opener Tammy Beaumont. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera has emerged as a potent threat, taking four wickets in Sri Lanka's opening match of the current tournament.

As the teams meet again, the stage is set for another intriguing clash, with Sri Lanka hoping to recapture the magic of their 2023 triumph and England determined to maintain its status as the tournament favorite.