Lanka women 'will qualify for next round'

--BBC--

By Saroj Pathirana BBC Sinhala service

	Polgampola says she is confident on progressing to the semi finals

Sri Lanka women's cricket team skipper Chamari Polgampola says that her team will progress through to the semi finals at the women's World Twenty20 held in England.

Speaking with BBC Sandeshaya as the team arrived for their second group match, Polgampola says she is confident of defeating the hosts who currently holds the top ranking among women teams.

“We are not worried about the home advantage for England. My team is confident. We just arrived at the ground. My first thought was that we will win,” she said.

Win against Pakistan

This is Polgampola’s first international tournament as the skipper since taking over the reigns from Sashikala Siriwardene. Siriwardene is not selected for the current tour.

We just arrived at the ground. My first thought was that we will win Chamari Polgampola

As Sri Lankan men progressed in the Super Eight defeating Pakistan at the Lord’s, the Sri Lanka women echoed men’s success at Taunton on Friday.

Sri Lanka women secured a four wicket win over Pakistan at their first group match on Friday.

Speaking with BBC Sandeshaya on Thursday, Polgampola was very confident.

“We have played much against Pakistan before and are aware of their strength. We must and we will win against Pakistan,” she said.

The skipper said the whole team played well on Friday but some deserved a special mention.

“Especially Ishani Lokusuriya, Inoka Galagedara, Sepali Weerakkody and Udeshika Prabodhani made that happen on Friday,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka were reduced to 144 four nine wickets by minnows Ireland at Lord’s on Sunday.