Now Reading: Sri Lanka recall ‘Lady Malinga’ for Women’s Asia Cup defence
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Sri Lanka recall ‘Lady Malinga’ for Women’s Asia Cup defence
India Today reports that Sri Lanka have recalled 19-year-old Mithali Ayodhya, nicknamed 'Lady Malinga', for the Women's T20 Asia Cup title defence in Dubai. The quick took four wickets in the T20…
The Story in Brief
India Today reports that Sri Lanka have recalled 19-year-old Mithali Ayodhya, nicknamed 'Lady Malinga', for the Women's T20 Asia Cup title defence in Dubai. The quick took four wickets in the T20 World Cup earlier this year but was left out of the home series against Pakistan. Now she returns as defending champions begin their campaign against UAE on August 29.
Legspinner Dewmi Vihanga earns her maiden T20I call-up after eight wickets in the National Super League. Three changes were made from the Pakistan series squad. Captain Chamari Athapaththu leads, with Harshitha Samarawickrama as deputy. Teenager Sanjana Kavindi retains her place. Sri Lanka are in Group B with Bangladesh, Indonesia and UAE.
The Indian Opinion
The 'Lady Malinga' tag adds colour but also burden on a teenager. Ayodhya's four wickets in the World Cup are promising, yet she was dropped for the Pakistan series. The real test of her impact will be against stronger batting line-ups like Bangladesh and India. Dewmi Vihanga's domestic form offers depth, but Sri Lanka's title defence hinges on consistency from their top order. Can Athapaththu's side repeat the 2024 final magic?
Source: indiatoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
