Sri Lanka vs Scotland: Big win needed to boost NRR and semi chances

Points: Sri Lanka on 2 points with NRR -1.913Record so far: Heavy loss to England, impressive 5-wicket win over New Zealand chasing 151 from 55/4, then heavy loss to West Indies. Last game: Chamari Athapaththu’s 61-ball 106* beat Ireland by 9 wickets, keeping them “just” alive.

Sri Lanka are coming off a confidence-boosting win against Ireland, powered by Chamari Athapaththu's century, while Scotland lost to New Zealand despite a spirited performance. The teams have met three times in T20Is with Sri Lanka winning all three. In their last meeting, in the 2024 T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, Athapaththu made a 63-ball 102.

Seamer Mithali Ayodha had a nervy start to her World Cup campaign, conceding 40 runs in four overs against England in Sri Lanka's opening game. However, she bounced back with figures of 1 for 24, 0 for 7 and 1 for 18 against New Zealand, West Indies and Ireland respectively. Sri Lanka will be hoping Ayodhya continues her form and makes early inroads against Scotland.

Athapaththu’s Stakes

Captain’s emotion: Called herself a “failure as a captain” after WI loss. In her 10th T20 World Cup across 17 years, she’s never taken SL to a semi-final. After Ireland ton: Said she was “still alive” and hopes SL can “echo those sentiments”.

In Scotland's only win of the tournament, left-arm spinner Kirstie Gordon starred with three wickets to derail Ireland's chase in Manchester. Having made her debut for Scotland this year, the former England player has taken 11 wickets in eight matches, the joint-third most for the team. Scotland will seek a repeat of that display at the same venue on Friday

Weather and conditions

Manchester is expected to be hot, with a slight chance of an afternoon shower. Spinners are expected to have a significant role to play.