Hope an Asian team wins Women's World Cup this time: Sri Lanka captain Chamari

Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu has expressed her hope that an Asian side will finally break through to lift the Women's World Cup, a prize that has so far remained out of reach for the continent.

Since the tournament's inception, only three nations have claimed the title - Australia a record seven times, England four, and New Zealand once. India came agonisingly close on two occasions but finished as runners-up, losing the finals to Australia and England.

"As an Asian, I would love to see an Asian team win this trophy—maybe Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh. Playing in Asia feels special for us. It's a privilege to play on home soil, and I hope an Asian team lifts the trophy this year," Athapaththu said on the eve of Sri Lanka's tournament opener against India.

Sri Lanka are returning to the Women's World Cup after an eight-year absence, and Athapaththu stressed that the team's immediate objective is to reach the last four, with five of their group matches scheduled on home turf.

"This is the first time Sri Lanka is co-hosting. Playing in the subcontinent is an advantage because India and Sri Lanka have similar conditions. But if we think too much about it, we won't do well. If we can make the semifinals, that will be a really good achievement for us. Then we can take it from there," she said.

Athapaththu acknowledged that India would be the side to beat in familiar conditions.

"We've been playing really good cricket in the last 12 months. India are favourites, they know the conditions well. We just want to play our best cricket without putting too much pressure on our shoulders. If we execute well, we can win. India are a good and experienced side," she remarked.

Sri Lanka's preparations included a runners-up finish in a home tri-nation series earlier this year, alongside their triumph at the Asia Cup T20 last year.

"We haven't played any international cricket after the tri-series, but we had a good domestic season. In the tri-series, we beat South Africa but lost the final to India. Overall, we played really good cricket. Both our youngsters and seniors are in good form, and I hope we can play our best cricket in this World Cup," Athapaththu said.

With five of their seven league matches set to be staged at Colombo's R Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka will be relying on the home advantage to inspire their campaign.

"We have five games on our home soil, and we know the conditions better than anyone. But still, we have to play our best cricket. As a bowling and batting unit, we need to click together. The ground, the spectators - everything is in our favour, but we still have to perform," she cautioned.

Athapaththu, who has featured in two seasons of the Women's Premier League, also looked ahead to the high-profile opener against India.

"I know most of the Indian players. I know their skill set, and they know mine. They have a good, experienced bowling line-up. On a particular day, whoever absorbs the challenge better will come out on top. Compared to both teams, India will be under a little bit of pressure."

Sri Lanka finished fifth in the ICC Women's Championship, but Athapaththu believes the combination of youth, experience, and home support could prove decisive.

"It's not just about me anymore. We've got youngsters who know how to handle pressure, and they are doing the job really well," she added.