THE 2023 Netball World Cup is almost here, and to help count down to the tournament, Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the competing teams and seeing how they might fare at the tournament.

Today’s focus is on the Sri Lanka Lionesses.

HISTORY OF SRI LANKA AT THE NETBALL WORLD CUP

Sri Lanka’s first Netball World Cup also ended up their best back in 1963, where the Lionesses came ninth at Eastbourne. At that stage, they were known as Ceylon, and defeated both Wales and Northern Ireland.

After missing the next four World Cups, Sri Lanka returned in 1983 where they finished 14th, and remained finishing between there and as low as 21st in 1999. Only missing one World Cup – 2007 – since 1983, Sri Lanka has come in the teens the last three World Cups, including 15th in Liverpool four years ago.

RECENT HISTORY

Since defeating Singapore by 21 goals at the World Cup four years ago, Sri Lanka qualified for this year’s edition by going undefeated at the Asian World Cup Playoffs.

At that tournament, the Lionesses defeated Singapore, India Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong, with the 10-goal win over Singapore earning them top spot.

KEY PLAYERS

Sri Lanka has landed in the group of death for the tournament, coming up against two top five nations in Jamaica and South Africa, and the rapidly rising Wales. While unlikely to beat any of them, the Asian nation will get a great opportunity competing against a couple of title contenders, and a talented European nation.

The focal point in the Sri Lankan attack is Tharjini Sivalingam with the 206cm goal shooter still proving a headache given her obvious size advantage. Now 44 years-old, Sivalingam is a veteran of the sport, but almost impossible to stop if the ball is presented to her at the post.

Among the others to keep an eye on is Thisala Algama – who can also be a threat in the shooting circle. Gayanjali Amarawansa and Dulangi Wannithilleke lead the team through the Asia Cup successfully and cannot be underrated, while Malmi Hettiarachchi is one of a number of up-and-coming players for the Lionesses.

SRI LANKA FIXTURE (start times local)

Friday 28th July – 6pm – Jamaica

Saturday 29th July – 4pm – South Africa

Sunday 30th July – 9am – Wales

SRI LANKA SQUAD

Thishala Algama, Semini Alwis, Gayanjali Amarawansa, Rashmi Diwyanjali, Dulangi Wannithilake, Malmi Hettiarachchi, Gayani Dissanayake, Chathurangi Jayasooriya, Gayathri Kaushalya, Tharjini Sivalingam, Bhashini Yoshitha De Silva, Shanika Perera

Reserves: Imasha Perera, Rukshala Hapuarachchi, Chamudi Wickramarathne, Tharushi Navodya Perera