Sri Lanka after beating Malaysia (55-53) in a narrow margin will face the host nation today (7) at the OCBC Arena, Singapore.
Lankan lasses had a tough task in beating Malaysia and it will be tougher than that as Singapore will faire all guns to make the defending champions uncomfortable.
According to the news from the team Sri Lanka will make every effort to obstruct the resistance from the opponents and to end the match with a victory which could help to retain the unbeaten record in the tournament and also progress to next task of winning the title again with confidence.
Sri Lanka have not had an ideal preparation heading into their title defence at the Asian Netball Championship .They have not played an international tournament since the 2019 Netball World Cup, while their rivals have gone on overseas training tours recently.
Sri Lanka have won the most titles – five – since the inaugural edition in 1985.
Singapore coach Annette Bishop is confident the team will come through, adding that the tours gave the players much-needed exposure and lessons.
Bishop, who is taking charge of her first major tournament, said her young team can now showcase their skills collectively in front of the home crowd.
“Yes, they may be lacking a bit in experience but what they have physically makes up for it and it’s a great opportunity for them to step up and take the lead,” she added.
Veteran goal shooter Charmaine Soh limping off the court in the second quarter of the match between Japan with a knee injury, making her a major doubt for the remainder of the tournament
Three-time champions Singapore, however, face a tricky task to qualify for the Netball World Cup again – the top two sides at the 11-team ANC will earn spots at next year’s showpiece tournament in Cape Town, South Africa.
The tournament is returning after four years as the 2020 edition in South Korea was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
(HW)
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