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Snake slithers in during India women’s training in Colombo ahead of Women’s World Cup clash vs Pakistan

It has made appearances during Lanka Premier League fixtures and was even spotted during a Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI in July earlier this year, making it something of a strange tradition here

Harmanpreet Kaur (C) of India and Smriti Mandhana (VC) of India talk with Amol Muzumdar head coach of India during the 2nd T20 International match between India and South Africa held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on the 7th July 2024. (Sportzpics)

As the Indian women’s cricket team went about their training at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday evening, an unusual visitor slithered in — a snake. The sight of the reptile, a common rat snake or “Garandiya” in Sinhalese, is not unusual at this venue.

It has made appearances during Lanka Premier League fixtures and was even spotted during a Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI in July earlier this year, making it something of a strange tradition here. “It’s not venomous. It doesn’t bite. It’s a Garandiya, just looking for rats,” a ground official said.

On Friday, the greyish-brown snake was seen slithering along the drains and the stands, right when the Indian players were moving from the centre wicket towards the nets. Far from panic, the sight of the reptile sparked amusement among the Indian cricketers, support staff, and even the media contingent present.

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India take on Pakistan in their second game of the women’s World Cup here on Sunday. The Women in Blue had won their opener comprehensively against co-hosts Sri Lanka.

Harmanpreet’s India did well to recover from a mini-collapse in their tournament opener against Sri Lanka in Guwahati to record a comfortable win. Sri Lankan veteran spinner Inoka Ranaweera’s four-wicket haul — three in the 26th over — had India in all sorts of trouble at 121/5 which became 124/6. But Deepti Sharma (53) and Amanjot Kaur (57) fashioned a 103-run stand for the seventh wicket to give India a fighting total. Deepti then took three wickets as India won the rain-shortened match of 47 overs per side with ease.

“It was not an easy game. We know in ICC tournaments, every game is important and is going to be high-pressure. In middle overs, batters managed well, despite losing wickets,” Harmanpreet said after the match.

“The way they (Amanjot and Deepti) handled the situation, it was outstanding to watch. Really happy all the girls came together to try to win this game for the country. Having batting till number seven (eight) is biggest strength for us.” Harmapreet also praised top-order batter Harleen Deol for her steady 48.

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