Sri Lanka women crash but celebrate

The Sri Lanka A women’s squad that won the series 2-1 comprised Sathya Sadeepani (captain), Sanjana Kavindi, Vimosksha Balasuriya, Vitini de Alwis, Vishmi Gunaratne, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmika Sewwandi, Piyumi Wathsala, Pramudi, Methsara, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Aseni Thalagune, Chamudi Praboda, Randi Premaratne and Satheeskumar Sajinthiny

By M Shamil Amit

Going in as favourites for a clean-sweep of the three-match T20 cricket series, the Sri Lankan women representing the second string or A team were thwarted by their New Zealand counterparts in the third and final match at the Dambulla International Stadium yesterday.

Taking the field having already lost the series 0-2, the New Zealand women signed off in style by winning the third match by five wickets after bowling out Sri Lanka for 78.

Vitini de Alwis (0), Vomoksha Balasuriya (2), Rashmika Sewwandi (1) and Dewmi Vihanga (0) were the batters that failed against the New Zealand bowlers. 

Jess Watkin and Prue Catton shone for New Zealand A in the low scoring match.

Watkin plucked four wickets for just four runs after which Catton hit an unbeaten 30 to steer her team home.

It marked a happy consolation win for the New Zealand women who had their first two one-day matches washed out by rain although they won the series 1-0 at the same venue.

New Zealand in pursuit of 79 runs for victory was helped by Catton who remained unbeaten on 30 and shared a 32 runs stand for the second wicket which helped them to reach the target with seven balls to spare.

Scores:

Sri Lanka A women 78 in 16.5 overs (Sathya Sandeepani 16, Sanjana Kavindi 15, Sumudu Nisansala 15, Piyumi Badalge 12, Jess Watkin 4/4, Kayley Knight 2/5)

New Zealand A women 79 for 5 in 18.5 overs (Kate Anderson 17, Prue Catton 30 n.o.: Pramudi Nethsara 2/5, Sachini Nisansala 2/14)

- MSA

Sri Lanka batter Sathya Sadeepani sweeps a ball

New Zealand’s match winning destroyer Jess Watkin bowls during her four wickets for four runs haul (SLC)