One step forward, two steps back! That’s how the Sri Lankan team has functioned in the Women’s World Cup so far. Coming in as underdogs, the Lankans stunned all when they first beat defending champions England.
One step forward, two steps back! That’s how the Sri Lankan team has functioned in the Women’s World Cup so far. Coming in as underdogs, the Lankans stunned all when they first beat defending champions England. After a demoralising 209-run loss to the West Indies, they pulled up their socks and performed when it mattered by knocking out hosts India from the tournament.
Just when it looked like Shashikala Siriwardene & Co were set to go all guns blazing, their performance dipped, and how! Blame it on the lost toss, difficult batting conditions, faltering top-order or playing on a new wicket, Sri Lanka offered little resistance as they gave away the game on a platter to New Zealand. The Kiwis registered a thumping eight-wicket win in their first Super Six match at the MCA ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex on Friday.
Lea Tahuhu (4/27) and Sian Ruck (3/16) wreaked havoc as they bowled Lanka out for 103. The Lankans struggled to see off the new ball and their top-three batters were done in by the swing and found their stumps dismantled.
More than the wicket, it was poor shot selection that saw them walking back to the pavilion.
In reply, openers Frances Mackay (39*) and skipper Suzie Bates (37) ensured the Kiwis achieved their target with ease with more than 25 overs to spare. The match was so lopsided that minutes after winning, New Zealand players hit the ground to get some batting practise. And rightly so! They batted longer in the nets than at the crease. “We expected a tough game. But the match was easier than we planned,” said Bates, the highest-run scorer (277) in this tournament so far.
Also, getting dangerwoman Eshani Kaushalya early on helped their cause. “We did have a plan in place for her. We looked at some footage and protected the area where she had the tendency to score most of her runs and that put pressure. Eventually, she ran herself out,” added Bates.
The win strengthened New Zealand’s chances of making the final. They are currently tied at second with the West Indies on four points.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 103 all out in 42 overs (D Manodara 34; L Tahuhu 4/27, S Ruck 3/16) lost to New Zealand 108/2 in 23 overs (F Mackay 39*, S Bates 37; I Ranaweera 2/27) by eight wickets
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