Sri Lanka Women’s captain Chamari Athapaththu is blocking out the noise around her future and locking into the present as her team prepares for a high-stakes tour of Bangladesh, where World Cup qualification points and momentum are firmly on the line.

Even as conversations about how long she might continue in international cricket gather pace, Chamari is keeping her approach measured. A recent discussion with the new head coach included a request for her to extend her career, but the skipper is not ready to look that far ahead.

“He spoke to me about continuing for another one or two years, but I prefer to take it step by step,” she said before the team’s departure. “My focus is on staying fit and performing. I don’t want to think too much about the future when there’s so much to do right now.”

What lies directly ahead is a six-match series three ODIs in Rajshahi followed by three T20Is in Sylhet with the 50-over games carrying added weight. Sri Lanka are firmly in the race for automatic qualification to the next ICC Women’s World Cup, and the points available in Bangladesh could prove decisive.

“These matches are very important for us,” Chamari said. “If we can secure those ODI points, it gives us a direct path to the World Cup. The team is in a good space mentally, and we’re confident about what we can achieve.”

That confidence will be tested early, not just by the conditions but also by changes in the lineup. Young opener Vishmi Gunaratne has been ruled out through injury, forcing a reshuffle at the top of the order. Chamari admitted the absence is significant but believes it opens the door for another player to step in.

“Vishmi has been a key player for us, so it’s definitely a loss,” she said. “But Hasini has earned this chance. She’s been performing consistently in domestic matches and other tournaments, so now it’s about taking that next step.”

There is also a personal fitness concern hovering over the captain herself. Chamari is recovering from a hand injury that required nine stitches, leaving her availability for the opening matches uncertain.

“I’m still working on my recovery, and we’ll have to assess things day by day,” she said. “Hopefully I can be ready, but we won’t rush it.”

Despite these setbacks, the mood within the squad remains optimistic, helped in part by a fresh approach from the new coaching staff. Since taking over after the West Indies series, the head coach has placed a clear emphasis on sharpening Sri Lanka’s power-hitting ability an area Chamari admits needed attention.

“With big tournaments coming up, we identified power hitting and overall batting strength as areas to improve,” she explained. “We’ve been working hard on that, and also on raising our fielding standards.”

Beyond immediate results, Chamari sees encouraging signs in the wider development of the women’s game back home. The rise of younger players, particularly at Under-19 level, has added depth and energy to the system.

“It’s great to see so many young girls coming into the game and performing well,” she said. “Women’s cricket in Sri Lanka is growing, and a lot of people deserve credit for that from the board to the selectors and former players.”

A gripping final-over contest saw Sri Lanka Under-19 secure a narrow three-run win against Australia in the Women’s Under-19 Tri Series clash at Ian Healy Oval on Saturday, underlining their growing composure in tight situations.

Defending a below-par total of 99, Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered under pressure to seal victory with just one ball remaining. Skipper Chamudi Praboda rose to the occasion with an impactful spell of 3 for 22, while Shashini Gimhani chipped in with 2 for 13 to derail Australia’s chase at key moments.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings was built on patience rather than power. Limansa Thilakarathne held the top order together with a steady 35 off 43 balls, ensuring stability through the middle overs. A late flourish from Pramudi Methsara, who struck 21 off 13 deliveries, gave the innings a much-needed boost and pushed the total within fighting range.

Australia appeared on course during their chase but were gradually pulled back by disciplined lines and sharp fielding. Their innings closed at 96 in 19.5 overs, falling just short of the target in a dramatic finish.

The ongoing Women’s Under-19 ODI and T20 Tri-Series in Australia, also featuring lasses from England and Sri Lanka has unearthed new talents who could rule Women’s Cricket at global stage in years to come. With hosts Australia and Sri Lanka taking major honours, with four wins and a loss after playing five games each, England may have a lot to ponder after six straight losses in the T20 series.

But two girls of Sri Lankan origin have made headlines back in the island nation on the Indian Ocean, making a significant stride. All-rounder Malisha Tennakoon is one such youngsters, besides her team-mate Venus Weerappuli, both with roots from Sri Lanka. Though Venus has been a regular member of the England U-19 Women’s team in both ODI and T20 formats, Malisha played her part as a right-hand middle-order batter and right-arm pace bowler in the three ODI games she played.

A student of Abbotsholm School in Rocester, Derbyshire, Malisha is. Warcickahire academy player who also represents Derbyshire Falcons and her county age group U18 representing her home county Staffordshire as an all-rounder. Coming in as a reserve in the England U-19 Women’s squad preparing for the Tri-Series in Australia, Malisha had made both her clubs and school equally proud. As young players when she was U13 she had the rare opportunity to play and won at Lords cricket ground for Lady Tavenors national cup final for her women’s club.

Her recognition within the England pathway at this stage has brought a tremendous honour to her efforts, and a true testament to her hard work and talent. At her school, Abbotsholm, Malisha is regarded an an inspiration to younger pupils, and a brilliant example, motivating more girls to pick up a bat and believe in where the game can take them. Her ultimate goal is to represent England at the highest level.