In her debut match, right-arm fast bowler Malki Madara put up a commendable performance with figures of 3 for 14, while captain Chamari Athapaththu scored an undefeated 64 runs from just 48 deliveries. As a result, Sri Lanka Women achieved a convincing 7-wicket win against New Zealand Women in the inaugural T20 international held in Christchurch yesterday.
This marked Sri Lanka's inaugural T20I triumph in New Zealand and their second success against the White Ferns in this format.
New Zealand chose to bat first but found it difficult to gain traction as Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained control over their innings, eventually dismissing them for 101 runs in 18.5 overs. In response, the visiting team reached the target swiftly in only 14.1 overs, thanks largely to Athapaththu who set the pace with an impressive performance, hitting 9 boundaries and 2 sixes during her winning effort.
Vishmi Gunaratne, a young opening batsman, was quickly sent back to the pavilion after scoring just 7 runs from 11 deliveries, as fast bowler Jess Kerr gave New Zealand an early advantage. Nevertheless, Athapaththu assumed control and steered her side to triumph, ensuring a 1-0 series edge with 35 balls remaining.
Initially, Emma McLeod led New Zealand with the highest score. She scored an impressive 44 runs from 46 deliveries, including three boundaries, before being declared the last out when debutante Madara concluded their innings. Captain Suzie Bates (21 off 14) was the sole other player to achieve a two-digit tally among the home team members.
Sri Lanka began with two spinners, Sugandika Kumari and Inoshi Priyadharshani, before bringing in Madara as their fourth bowler. Madara made an impact during her 3.5-over spell, while Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) and Priyadharshani (2/25) offered strong backing. The wicketkeeper, Anushka Sanjeewani, performed exceptionally well behind the stumps, executing three dismissals.
During her T20I debut, Madara earned the title of Player of the Match, whereas Manudi Nanayakkara, who leads Sri Lanka’s under-19 team, also played her first match at the senior level in this game.
The two squads will face each other once more in the second T20I on Sunday (16) at the same location.
Chief scores
New Zealand Women’s 101 runs scored in just 18.5 overs by Suzie Bates with 21 points, Emma McLeod scoring 44, Jess Kerr contributing 10; meanwhile, Sugandika Kumari took 1 for 16, Inoshi Priyadharshini claimed 2 wickets for 25, Malki Madara secured 3 for 14, Chamari Athapaththu got 1 for 10, and Kavisha Dilhari achieved 2 for 18.
Sri Lanka Women’s Chamari Athapaththu scored 64*, Kavisha Dilhari got 12 runs, and Nilakshika Silva contributed with 12* as they chased down 102 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 14.1 overs. Jess Kerr took 2 wickets conceding only 18 runs.
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