Sri Lankans crash under Kiwis: Sanjana Kavindi (79) makes valiant effort

Sanjana Kavinda plays a shot during her innings of 79 which was all in vain 

The visiting New Zealand A women’s team clinched the three match one-day series against host Sri Lanka A women when they coasted to a convincing 84 runs win on the D/L method in the third encounter played at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

The first and second matches ended without a result due to rain.

In the third match marred by rain as well, Sri Lanka A set a revised target of 234 runs in 38 overs, despite a top knock of 79 in 73 balls that included ten boundaries and three sixes by opener Sanjana Kavindi, was bowled out for 149 with right arm fast bowlers Marama Downes and Bella Armstrong doing the damage with support from Jess Watkins.

The foundation for New Zealand was laid by opener Kate Anderson who made 84 with eight boundaries and Bella Armstrong who cracked 59 in 57 balls with eight boundaries as the tourists made 273 for 8 which was a test for the budding Sri Lankan women.

Armstrong put on two valuable partnerships of 73 runs for the fourth wicket with skipper Jess Watkin who chipped in with 36 and 51 runs for the fifth wicket which helped them to make a formidable score.

The two sides will now play their three match T20 series starting on May 21 with the second on May 23 and the third on May 25. 

All matches will be played at the same venue.

Scores:
New Zealand A women 273 for 8 in 50 overs (Kate Anderson  84, Bella Armstrong 59, Jess Watkin 36, P. Catton 15, Kayley Knight 38 n.o.: Tharuka Shehani 4/64, Chamodi Praboda 2/37)
Sri Lanka A women 149 in 33.1 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 79, Piumi Wathsala 24, Vishmi Gunaratne 23: Marama Downes 4/18. Bella Armstrong 3/39, J. Watkins 2/3)-MSA
New Zealand win by 84 runs on DLS method