Sri Lanka Women’s ‘A’ team will meet New Zealand Women’s A in the opening match of the three-match T20 series today (21) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka Women’s A lost the previous one-day series 0-1 after the first two matches were washed out by rain, and the home side will be aiming to bounce back strongly in the shorter format.

New Zealand Women’s A have several experienced players in their squad, including Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, skipper Jess Watkin and fast bowler Hannah Rowe, who has already represented the national team in 60 ODIs and 47 T20Is. They are expected to provide a strong challenge once again.The visitors possess a balanced side with several quality all-rounders and will enter the T20 series with confidence after winning the ODI series. Their batting line-up looks strong with openers Kate Anderson and Bella James, while player-of-the-match in the last ODI Bella Armstrong and Jess Watkin are key all-rounders in the team.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Women’s A led by Sathya Sandeepani will look to improve their performances in the T20 series. Sandeepani could not make a major impact in the rain-hit ODI series and will be hoping to lead from the front in this format.

Opener Vishmi Gunaratne, who returned from a wrist injury during the ODI series, has once again been included in the squad. Selectors are keen to assess the 20-year-old’s fitness and form ahead of the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, making this series an important opportunity for her.Sri Lanka skipper Sathya Sandeepani said the team is looking forward to the challenge and hopes to correct the mistakes made during the ODI series.

“We now have a better understanding about the opposition after the ODI series and we hope to come back strongly in the T20 format,” she said.

Sri Lanka Women’s A head coach Sampath Perera and bowling coach Gayan Wijekoon have been busy preparing the side for the T20 series. Their guidance is expected to be important for the younger players in the squad.

Several Under-19 players are part of the Sri Lanka Women’s A team and this series is expected to provide valuable match exposure. Opener Sanjana Kavindi and wicketkeeper Sumudu Nisansala both scored half-centuries during the ODI series and have retained their places for the T20 series.

Meanwhile, Lihini Apsara, Limansa Thillekaratne, Rashmi Silva and Thanuka Shehani, who were part of the ODI squad, have not been included in the T20 squad.

Pamudi Methsara, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Aseni Thalagune and Vitini de Alwis have been added to the T20 squad and could make their Women’s A team debuts.

Seventeen-year-old off-spinners Aseni Thalagune of Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy and Pamudi Methsara of Uhana National School, Ampara impressed at the recently concluded Under-19 tri-series in Australia and will look to continue their good form against New Zealand Women’s A.

National Under-19 skipper Chamodi Praboda, who bowled well during the ODI series, has also been retained for the T20 squad alongside Dewmi Vihanga, with both players expected to play key roles in the series.Sri Lanka Women’s ‘A’ Squad

Sathya Sandeepani (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Vitini de Alwis, Vishmi Gunaratne, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala (WK), Rashmika Sewwandi, Piumi Wathsala, Pamudi Methsara, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Aseni Thalagune, Chamodi Praboda, Randi Premarathne, Satheeskumar Sajinthiny.New Zealand Women’s ‘A’ Squad

Jess Watkin (Captain), Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Emma Black, Prue Catton, Marama Downes, Kate Gaging, Fran Jonas, Bella James, Xara Jetly, Kayley Knight, Darcy Prasad, Hannah Rowe, Tash Wakelin, Poppy Jay, JA Watkins.