27 July 2023 11:33 am Views - 132
The Sri Lanka Netball Squad for World Cup 2023 in Cape Town
Sri Lanka National Netball Team powered by Dialog is set to compete in the highly anticipated Netball World Cup 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa. Having emerged as Asian champions in the previous year, Sri Lanka is ready to showcase their skills on the world stage against formidable opponents from around the globe.
Drawn in Group C, Sri Lanka will face tough competition from renowned teams such as Jamaica, host nation South Africa, and Wales. The Sri Lankan team, captained by Gayanjali Amarawansa and vice-captained by Dulangi Wannithilake during their successful Asian championship campaign, is a force to be reckoned with Gayanjali, a seasoned player, having represented Sri Lanka in three Asian Championships (2016, 2018, 2022) and two previous World Cups (2015 and 2019), bringing valuable experience to the team.
Dulangi hailed as a rising star, has participated in two Asian Championships (2018, 2022) and one previous World Cup Netball Tournament (2019), demonstrating her skill and determination.
The Sri Lankan team will be appearing in their 11th Netball World Cup, with their best performance being a ninth-place finish in Eastbourne back in 1963. Following their 15th place finish in Liverpool four years ago, the team is focused on surpassing expectations and making their mark on the global stage this year.
To adapt to the tournament’s conditions, the team will embark on a crucial tour of Botswana from July 15th to 23rd before heading to South Africa. This preparatory tour will provide the players with valuable practice and help them acclimate to the competitive environment they will encounter.
Despite their previous success, Sri Lanka remains humble and aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
The Netball World Cup will feature teams from powerhouse nations such as Australia, England, Wales, and Jamaica, all fielding strong squads. However, Sri Lanka boasts exceptional talent in players like Tharjini Sivalingam, renowned as the tallest player in the world, as well as Chathurangi Jayasooriya, Gayani Dissanayake and Semini Alwis. These skilled athletes are more than capable of countering their taller and more experienced opponents.