By Dammika Ratnaweera
Sri Lankan Netball team started their pre-preparation Netball series against Botswana with a winning note. At present Sri Lanka Netball team is on a short visit to Botswana. Sri Lanka, the defending Asian Netball champions are now focusing on the forth coming Word Netball Championships which will be held in Liverpool, England from 12th July. Current tour to Botswana is important as it will help our girls gain more experience and improve their confidence making them ready for the big event.
Sri Lanka defeated Botswana Police team 39/22 in the opening game while they claimed 40/35 victory over Botswana ‘s leading club BDF CATS in the second game. Once again our girls recorded their victory over Botswana University team 54/22. Although this was an outdoor game the team did not let the cold weather effect their game. However, Sri Lanka lost their last game to the Botswana National team as 37/39.
Sri Lanka has been ranked 19 in the world while Botswana is positioned at world 23.
Sri Lanka is touring Botswana without their key shooter ,Tharjani Shivalingam a prominent player in the team with excellent shooting skills. Tharjani who is famous for her extra ordinary height of 6 feet 11 is currently involved in Australian Netball league who had to miss the Botswana tour. However, a new find from the Northern Province Elalentyhani Shetukalawara successfully replaced Tharjani by doing her best in shooting while Hasitha Mendis performed her best as a supporting shooter in Botswana. Thilaka Jinadasa , the Sri Lanka coach insisted on gaining experience in all aspects of the game but she has more focus on experience and match practice. Botswana tour provided a good opportunity for back up players to brush up their skills. Prior the Botswana tour Sri Lanka team played quadrangular tournament with Kenya, Singapore and the Sri Lanka Development team at Sugathadasa Stadium.
Sri Lankan team believe that the Botswana trip gives them an opportunity to explore South African playing style. Sri Lanka will face Zimbabwe, Northern Ireland and Australia at the world cup. Sri Lanka hopes to beat Zimbabwe and Northern Ireland in their attempt to go forward in the Word Championships.
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