After losing the ODI series, Sri Lanka Women recovered well, defeating New Zealand Women by a commanding seven wickets in the opening Twenty20 International at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday, March 14. Thanks to an all-around performance, the visitors easily chased down a meager target of 102, outperforming the current T20 World Champions.
Izzy Sharp was one of four debutants the White Ferns fielded after deciding to bat first. The home team got off to a fast start, as captain Suzie Bates looked excellent with her 21 off of 14 balls. She had some solid shots, but a collapse was caused when she was dismissed in the fifth over by Malki Madara’s bowling.
Despite putting up a fight, Emma McLeod, the hosts’ best scorer with 44 off 46 balls, did not have any help from the opposition. The team struggled to dominate Sri Lanka’s bowling assault during a dry run of nine overs without a boundary.
The best bowler was debutant Madara, who took 3/14, including Bates’ wicket.
With a couple further contributions from Chamari Athapaththu (1/10) and Kavisha Dilhari (2/18), New Zealand was held to 101 in 18.5 overs.
The tourists started cautiously, chasing a little target. With an undefeated 64 off 48 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes, captain Athapaththu took the lead. The Sri Lankan team never appeared to be in jeopardy, even though they lost a few quick wickets.
Athapaththu anchored the chase when Harshitha Samarawickrama (2) and Vishmi Gunaratne (7) left early. With crucial backing from Kavisha Dilhari (12) and Nilakshika Silva (12*), the team was able to complete the target in 14.1 overs and win with seven wickets and 35 balls remaining. Madara’s outstanding performance earned her the title of Player of the Match.
The visitors’ impressive success in the T20I opener should give them a lot of confidence after losing the ODI series 2-0. Prior to the second Twenty20 International, which is scheduled for March 16 at the same location, the White Ferns will need to get back together fast.
India
