With the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, Sri Lanka Women’s cricket captain Chamari Athapaththu believes the home limited series against India, beginning with the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium tomorrow, will be of vital importance for her team’s preparation.

“We have to play the Commonwealth Games in July, we're leaving on the 25th so this series against India is very important for us, as we haven't played many games in the last two years," Athapaththu said.

Sri Lanka played their first bilateral series in more than two years when they toured Pakistan in May.

They were swept in the T20I series, losing all three matches, but were able to salvage a game in the 50-over series, winning the third and final ODI.

India will be a stiffer challenge, but Athapaththu was confident her team could take a game or two if the batting in particular clicked.

“India has about six or seven cricketers who have played around the world in leagues, so they have a lot more of ability compared to our cricketers. The last time India toured Sri Lanka, we managed to beat them in an ODI. The most important area for us will be our batting. In the ODIs if we can get 250-260, and around 150-160 in T20Is, then we can challenge them,” she said.

“In terms of bowling, I think both teams are on equal ground, but it’s in the batting where there is a big discrepancy. They have batters who can score quickly, and they are more experienced – two things which the batters in my team lack. But if our batters play to the best of their ability they can beat any team in the world on their day,” Athapaththu added.

Sri Lanka will play three T20Is in Dambulla, before shifting to Pallekele for three ODIs.