New Zealand showcased a dominant performance against Sri Lanka in the second Women’s ODI held at the Galle International Stadium on Friday. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 329 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine spearheaded the batting charge for New Zealand with remarkable centuries. Kerr played a brilliant innings, scoring 108 runs off 106 deliveries, including 7 fours and 1 six. Devine, on the other hand, exhibited her prowess by smashing a scintillating 137 runs off just 121 balls, comprising 17 fours and 2 sixes. Bernadine Bezuidenhout (25) also made useful contributions to the team’s total.
Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Oshadi Ranasinghe was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 68 runs in her 10 overs. Udeshika Prabodhani (2 wickets for 38 runs) and Sugandika Kumari (1 wicket for 79 runs) also managed to pick up wickets, but the New Zealand Women’s batting lineup proved to be too strong overall.
Chasing the formidable target, Sri Lanka Women faltered in their innings and were eventually bowled out for 218 runs in 48.4 overs. Kavisha Dilhari was the top scorer for the Sri Lankan side, displaying great determination by accumulating 84 runs off 98 deliveries, including 9 fours. However, her efforts went in vain as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Lea Tahuhu led the bowling attack for New Zealand Women with an outstanding performance, claiming 4 wickets for 31 runs in her 8 overs. Eden Carson (2 wickets for 41 runs) and Hannah Rowe (1 wicket for 32 runs) provided excellent support. Sophie and Amelia also chipped in with crucial wickets as New Zealand emerged victorious by a commanding margin of 111 runs.
New Zealand beats Sri Lanka by 111 runs! #women #cricket #SLvsNZ #SriLankaCricket #newzealandcricket #odicricket https://t.co/dfm7tBp3ct #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/wh9u6HW8Wb
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) June 30, 2023
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.