Debutant right-arm fast bowler Malki Madara delivered an impressive spell, taking 3 for 14, while skipper Chamari Athapaththu smashed an unbeaten 64 off 48 balls as Sri Lanka Women secured a 7-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in their first T20I in Christchurch yesterday.
This was Sri Lanka’s first-ever T20I win in New Zealand and their second victory overall against the White Ferns in this format.
New Zealand opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum as Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept them in check, bowling them out for 101 in 18.5 overs. The visitors then chased down the target in just 14.1 overs, with Athapaththu leading from the front, smashing 9 fours and 2 sixes in her match-winning knock.
Young opener Vishmi Gunaratne was dismissed early for 7 off 11 balls, with fast bowler Jess Kerr providing New Zealand with an early breakthrough. However, Athapaththu took full responsibility and guided her team to victory, securing a 1-0 series lead with 35 balls to spare.
Earlier, Emma McLeod was New Zealand’s top scorer. The number three batter hit three fours in her knock of 44 off 46 balls before becoming the final wicket to fall, as debutant Madara wrapped up the innings. Skipper Suzie Bates (21 off 14) was the only other player to reach double figures for the hosts.
Sri Lanka started with two spinners, Sugandika Kumari and Inoshi Priyadharshani, before introducing Madara as the fourth bowler. She did the damage with a 3.5-over spell, while Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) and Priyadharshani (2/25) provided solid support. Wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani was brilliant behind the stumps, completing three stumpings.
Madara was named Player of the Match on her T20I debut, while Manudi Nanayakkara, Sri Lanka’s Under-19 skipper, also made her senior debut in this game.
The two teams will meet again in the second T20I on Sunday (16) at the same venue.
Chief scores
New Zealand Women’s 101 all out in 18.5 overs Suzie Bates 21, Emma McLeod 44, Jess Kerr 10, Sugandika Kumari 1/16/Inoshi Priyadharshani 2/25, Malki Madara 3/14, Chamari Athapaththu 1/10, Kavisha Dilhari 2/18
Sri Lanka Women’s 102 for 3 wickets in 14.1 overs Chamari Athapaththu 64*, Kavisha Dilhari 12, Nilakshika Silva 12*, Jess Kerr 2/18.
