Sri Lanka skipper Athapaththu added, “We are playing on our home soil, and I know many Sri Lankans will be there to support us.
“I hope to see the vibrant atmosphere in the stadiums during our World Cup matches.”
Leading the defending champions Australia, Alyssa Healy admitted to expecting a tough competition from the other seven teams at this Cricket World Cup.
“I believe this is going to be the toughest World Cup we’ve ever been a part of.
“Australia has a rich history in this format and in World Cups, but I think every single team is going to be tough to beat.”
Her South Africa counterpart, Laura Wolvaardt, echoed the sentiment, furthermore adding on the fierce competition on offer.
“I think in a tournament like this, every team is a big team. There’s no sort of single team or two that are set up to win it.”