Defending Champions Sri Lanka announced their authority in the Asian Netball Championship 2022 with two commanding wins in their group A matches to finish on top and qualify to the top tier group of the second round which consists of Hong Kong, Malaysia and hosts Singapore.
Sri Lanka have taken part continuously since the inception in 1985 and have been podium finishers in all 11 editions, including winning the championship in 1989, 1997, 2001, 2009 and most recently 2018. Until 2009, the tournament was held every 4 years and then aftee the 2012 edition, it’s held every two years with the 2020 edition not held due to Covid-19.
Sri Lanka is led by Gayanjali Amarawansa, who plays as a Centre. Dulangi Wannithilake who plays at Wing Attack is the vice captain of the side. The remaining players in the team consists of Tharjini Sivalingam, Hasitha Mendis, Gayani Dissanayake, Chathurangi Jayasooriya, Semini Alwis, Bhashini De Silva, Deepika Dharshani, Malmi Hettiarachchi, Idusha Janai and Rashmi Diwyanjali. They are coached by Hyacinth Wijesinghe.
Experienced campaigner Tharjini is a player who needs no special introduction. The 6 foot 11 Goal Shooter who is now aged 43, has more than a decade’s experience and also part of a franchise team West City Falcons, the most successful Victoria Netball League team.
Sri Lanka so far have heavy wins against India and Philippines, with scores reading 102-14 and 99-37. However, the second round matches will not be very easy as they face teams like Singapore and Malaysia, the other two countries who are consistent in the podium finishes.
Finishing in the top 2 in the group also means an automatic qualification to the World Netball Championships next year in South Africa. Sri Lanka will face Malaysia tomorrow, Singapore on the 7th and Hong Kong on the 8th before the placing matches.
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