Sri Lanka had never met Australia in One-Day Internationals before they met in the CricInfo Women's World Cup today.

The 200-run loss was a harsh lesson and Sri Lankan manager Mrs M C Munaweera was happy with the bowling and fielding effort of her side but was disappointed with the batting.

Sri Lanka faced a total of 283 to beat Australia which, given Sri Lanka's inexperience was never a possibility.

However, the Sri Lankans set their own goal.

"We were targetting scoring more than 100 but it was a tougher problem," Munaweera said.

The Sri Lankans have targeted the next World Cup.

"We have to win two matches to make sure we qualify for the next World Cup. Compared to other countries we have only been playing for a short time. I think what we have done is great," she said.

However, the women's game in Sri Lanka is suffering from a lack of support. While Lanka Tiles is its main sponsor, there is not any Government support automatically available for the team.

While the Women's game was linked with the men's Cricket Association in Sri Lanka, it is no longer a part of it and the women are independent.

"Some people say women don't need to play cricket in Sri Lanka. But I think it is the best game for ladies. It is a team sport and not for individuals," she said.

Heart didn't think the team would be despondent over the magnitude of the side's loss.

"Our coach Guy de Alwis will talk with the girls on how they have performed and help them get ready for their next game," she said.

That next game is not really any easier. It is against New Zealand on Sunday at Lincoln Green.

© CricInfo